Rebecca Coombes is the Group Chief People Officer of The Disability Trust, the foundational business within a national social and community services conglomerate comprising 6 key entities and more than 4,500 employees across the country. In this role, she leads the people strategy for a diverse, purpose driven workforce—placing retention, career growth, and wellbeing at the centre of organisational resilience.

With over 25 years of HR leadership experience across telecommunications, manufacturing, media, higher education, and now the for purpose sector, Rebecca brings a rare blend of commercial acumen and deep human centred practice. Her career reflects a consistent commitment to building environments where people can thrive, develop, and stay connected to meaningful work.

A long standing professional member (CAHRI) of the Australian Human Resources Institute and part of the Chief HR Australia group, Rebecca is recognised as a contemporary and influential voice in the people and culture landscape. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Employment Relations and a Master of Commerce in Human Resources Management (with Distinction), complemented by eight years as an academic lecturer shaping the next generation of HR professionals.

Rebecca’s expertise in all aspects of strategic human resource management (including safety) and leadership spans more than two decades. She is known for integrating evidence based theory with practical, scalable solutions that strengthen workforce engagement and long term sustainability. Her leadership is grounded in the belief that resilient organisations are built through intentional investment in people—supporting their wellbeing, enabling their growth, and creating pathways for meaningful, lasting careers.