Terrey Arcus AM

Terrey Arcus has developed a career as a strategic advisor to the CEO’s and Boards of major public and private companies over the past 40 years.

He now divides his time between his advisory practice and contributing to the community via pro-bono advisory roles and philanthropic roles in education, medical research and the arts.  By way of example, Terrey was elected as Chairman of the board of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in mid-2015.

Education

Terrey enjoyed a loving, stable upbringing in Sydney, but his family had modest means.  He completed his Leaving Certificate at North Sydney Boys’ High School, ranked highly in the State of NSW.  A scholarship from Sir William Tyree supported him through the University of Sydney, and he graduated with first class honours in Electrical Engineering & Science.  Subsequently, he won the R.G. Menzies scholarship to Harvard University, a Sydney University Travelling Scholarship and a Fulbright Scholarship that enabled graduate study at Harvard Business School, where he graduated with Distinction at the age of 24.

Terrey’s superb public education, his receipt of financial assistance and the support of his family benefitted Terrey in creating unimagined opportunities.  This substantially influenced his desire to give back to the community now that he is able to do so, by contributing his own efforts and personal philanthropic resources.

Strategic Advice

Terrey joined McKinsey & Company initially in New York and London in 1973 and developed his skills as a strategic advisor by pursuing challenging assignments in USA, Europe and Australia.

As a Principal in Australia between 1979 and 1983, Terrey led the firm’s work with a number of major client relationships.

McKinsey only had offices in Japan and Australia in Asia in 1984 when Terrey opened and established the resident McKinsey practice in Hong Kong, aimed at serving the Chinese community in Asia, and developing a practice in China.  Terrey drew upon the support of partners and offices around the Pacific Basin in this entrepreneurial endeavour. Terrey was elected a Director of McKinsey & Company Inc. in 1985, the year the Hong Kong office was opened, and for the rest of the 1980’s worked extensively in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and China for both multinational and local clients on issues of strategy and organisation.

Terrey and his wife Anne decided to return to educate their children at high school in Sydney in the 1990’s but suffered the loss of their young son, Richard, to Aplastic Anaemia. This emotional experience kick-started their philanthropic endeavours to support the Cord Blood Bank and medical research at Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney.

Terrey founded Port Jackson Partners Limited in 1991, supported by his former McKinsey partner Fred Hilmer, who was by then the Dean of Australian Graduate School of Management at University of New South Wales.  Port Jackson Partners has prospered as a boutique strategic advisory firm, serving large public and private Australian and multi-national clients via a high octane, partner rich business model, over the last 25 years.

Community

Rather than serve on boards that conflict with his advisory practice, Terrey has developed a practice supporting his community interests by conducting pro-bono assignments for major not-for-profit enterprises.  He prefers to be involved personally, rather than just support his community interests with philanthropy. 

These community interests range from education (eg University of NSW, University of Sydney, Sydney Grammar School) to Medical Research (The Garvan, Victor Chang MRI), to the Arts (Deputy Chairman Australia Council for the Arts 2002-2006, Director 2011-2015 and 2015-2021 Chairman of Sydney Symphony Orchestra).  Terrey was awarded the Order of Australia in 2007 for his contributions to community.

Personal

Terrey and his wife Anne have enjoyed a great partnership over 44 years and have 3 children.

His recreational activities include golf, bridge, tennis, music and art.

He is a member of the Australian Club, Royal Sydney Golf Club and Elanora Country Club.