Mr Russell Stephen Balding AO is an Independent Non-Executive Director of ComfortDelGro Corporation Limited. Mr Balding is a member of the Audit and Risk Committee, the Nominating and Remuneration Committee and the Strategy & Investment Committee.

Mr Balding has had a long and distinguished Non-Executive Director and Executive Managerial career having held numerous Directorships and senior executive positions in a number of major organisations which have required extensive government, stakeholder, community and customer interaction. Due recognition was accorded when an Order of Australia was awarded to him in January 2007. He is Chairman of ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia Pty Ltd.  In addition, he is Sole Proprietor of Aremby Pastoral.

Mr Balding retired in June 2011 as Chief Executive Officer of the Sydney Airport Corporation where he oversaw the continued growth and commercial success of Australia’s National Gateway Airport. Prior to that appointment, Mr Balding was Managing Director of The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) where he was responsible for the overall management and editorial functions of Australia’s most comprehensive broadcaster and media institution. He has served on the Boards of ComfortDelGro Cabcharge Pty Ltd, a major Australian public transport company primarily providing major bus service networks and CityFleet Networks Ltd (UK), a leading ground transportation provider of limousines, executive transport and taxi services. Previously, Mr Balding was Chairman of Cabcharge Australia Limited (renamed A2B Australia Limited), then an Australian Securities Exchange listed company, until he stepped down in November 2016. Mr Balding has also contributed to the New South Wales (NSW) Government as a member of the Crown Land Ministerial Taskforce and by Chairing the NSW Visitor Economy Taskforce as well as a Member of the Board of the Government tourism body, Tourism NSW.

Most recently, Mr Balding concluded his maximum 12-year term as a Board Member of Racing NSW, the last 7 years as Chairman, where he oversaw the significant expansion and strengthening of the NSW Racing Industry and the introduction of innovative races such as The $20M Everest, the world’s richest race on turf. In July 2024, Mr Balding retired as Deputy Chairman and Board Member of Destination NSW after serving 13 years.  

Mr Balding is a Fellow of Certified Practising Accountants Australia, FCPA (Past State President and National Counsellor). Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Business and a Diploma of Technology (Commerce) in Australia. He is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD) and the Singapore Institute of Directors (SID).