Cecile graduated from St Aidan's in 1987 before going on to study at the University of Queensland, where she completed a Bachelor of Economics and a Bachelor of Laws (Hons). What followed was a career that has taken her to the very top of one of the world's most demanding industries. 

After nearly a decade as a partner at leading international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills in London, where she specialised in complex oil, gas and LNG transactions, Cecile returned to Queensland to take on senior executive roles at BG Group and later Shell, following the two companies' merger. She served as CEO of Arrow Energy, Shell's joint venture with PetroChina before being appointed Shell's Country Chair and Executive Vice President, Integrated Gas Australia in 2023. Earlier this year, she was elected Chair of the Australian Energy Producers Board, the peak body for Australia's oil and gas sector.

Throughout her career, Cecile has remained deeply connected to education and to St Aidan's, having been a past parent, served as Director and Chair of the School Council. She was also Chair of Finance and of the Rems and Noms Committee.  

As our Principal Toni Riordan said “Cecile's recognition provides the opportunity to not only celebrate incredible, individual achievement but also to reflect on St Aidan's long history of educating women in leadership and service. Today's award for Cecile also highlights the calibre of community leaders that St Aidan's attracts to its governance roles.”

Her King's Birthday honour reflects not only a distinguished career in a field where women remain significantly underrepresented, but a sustained commitment to giving back to her profession, to her university and to the school that helped shape her.

Cecile has said on receiving the award “It’s a wonderful surprise and a privilege, and I am so grateful for all on the journey.

We extend our warmest congratulations to Cecile on this richly deserved recognition. Her story is exactly the kind that reminds our current students and our wider community of past students what it means to be born to fly.