Director Spotlight: Cor Jansen van Rensburg – Navigating Complex Environments with Precision, Purpose, and Pragmatism
Few directors bring such a diverse and compelling mix of experience to the boardroom as Cor Jansen van Rensburg. He has held senior roles across aviation, technology, finance, government, and entrepreneurship, and brings a mindset shaped equally by data, discipline, and daring.
From strategic sourcing at Transport for NSW to transforming the customer experience at Qantas, and from founding his ventures to developing his governance style, Cor’s approach reflects a lifetime of navigating complexity and turning it into commercial opportunity.
“I’ve always been fascinated by how strategic decisions at the board level shape the future of organisations — far beyond the day-to-day operations.”
As a Certified Chair™, Cor understands that true leadership in the boardroom comes from balancing ambition with accountability. He offers clear-eyed commercial insight, backed by a deep understanding of how to engage stakeholders, align diverse interests, and deliver measurable results.
A Board Career Rooted in Real-World Impact
Cor’s path into governance wasn’t linear; it was earned. With a background in accounting and finance, he began his career at Ashton Chartered Accountants and AT&T, later joining Deloitte Consulting as a financial modeler and business development leader. He then moved through executive leadership roles at Carter Holt Harvey, Qantas, Westpac, and Transport for NSW, where his focus remained the same: driving transformation with purpose.
“Early in my career, I realised that true impact happens when governance, strategy, and commercial discipline are aligned. That, coupled with a genuine interest in working with diverse leaders, drew me into advisory and board roles.”
Cor now serves as Managing Director of Global Platinum Consulting and holds multiple advisory board roles, including with BidTek, a technology platform aiming to give SMEs better access to government procurement opportunities.
“BidTek’s mission to level the playing field for small businesses spoke to my values. I’ve seen firsthand how hard it is for great companies to compete in government tendering. If we can fix that, we’ll unlock enormous value — not just for business, but for the broader economy.”
Transforming Complex Systems at Scale
One of Cor’s most impressive achievements was during his time as Director, IT Commercial Partnerships at Transport for NSW, where he oversaw the negotiation and management of over 500 contracts valued at $3 billion. He led the development of a fit-for-purpose commercial sourcing model and worked closely with senior executives to enhance supplier engagement, improve contract performance, and optimize cost control.
“We achieved significant cost efficiencies while strengthening supplier relationships. We proved you can drive savings and still be a partner of choice — not a contradiction, but a strategy.”
At Qantas, Cor led technology transformations across flight operations and customer experience, with standout programs that included global vendor negotiations, HR transformation, and the implementation of a digital experience platform that improved both revenue and user experience.
“We negotiated a $750 million contract with Amadeus, transforming our relationship into one of innovation and mutual benefit. We didn’t just cut costs — we created commercial alignment that supported growth.”
Cross-Sector Experience, One Clear Governance Philosophy
Cor’s career has spanned aviation, government, banking, technology, professional services, and entrepreneurship. He’s also a licensed pilot and co-founder of MyFam App, a digital family platform. These varied roles give him a unique lens on board leadership.
“In aviation, safety and compliance are non-negotiable. In tech, agility and innovation are everything. In finance, it’s about disciplined risk and capital management. My governance style blends all of that — a commercial mindset, an entrepreneurial heart, and operational discipline.”
This unique blend makes Cor a valuable asset to any board navigating change, scale, digital transformation, or stakeholder complexity.
Governance in the Next Era: ESG, Technology, and Trust
Looking ahead, Cor sees a shift in what boards must prioritise:
“Cybersecurity and data integrity will only rise on the agenda. ESG will become a strategic lever, not just a checkbox. And directors don’t need to be coders, but they do need to understand how technology creates or destroys value.”
He also emphasises the growing value of advisory boards, especially for capital-raising companies and scaling ventures:
“Done well, advisory boards bring credibility, open doors, and help founders avoid expensive mistakes. They keep the long game in focus when short-term pressures try to take over.”
The Chair’s Role in High-Performing Boards
As a Certified Chair™, Cor knows what makes a board truly effective.
“It starts with a clear purpose and diverse thinking. But the real magic happens when you have a Chair who knows when to lean in, and when to shut up. The best boards aren’t echo chambers. They’re environments where robust debate is welcomed and encouraged.”
Advice for Aspiring Board Directors
“Be curious. Learn the business beyond the board pack. And never underestimate the power of consistency. Reputation and trust compound over time. Say what you’ll do, and do what you say.”
What Drives Cor Today
After decades of executive leadership and board involvement, what still excites Cor?
“I love helping businesses unlock their next stage of growth. Good governance, combined with clear strategy, can transform an organisation. It keeps me learning, keeps me sharp, and keeps me surrounded by people who want to make things better. That’s never boring.”
Connect with Cor
Cor Jansen van Rensburg is available for advisory board, non-executive director, and governance consulting roles in technology, aviation, finance, and government sectors. His sweet spot is working with high-growth ventures, capital-intensive businesses, and organisations that are transforming.
🟠 Connect with Cor on LinkedIn
🟠 To explore private board and advisory opportunities with leading directors like Cor, visit www.tigerboards.com.au or email Kylie Hammond at kylie@tigerboards.com.au
