On a crisp morning in 1973, a young Scots Prefect straightened his Black Watch Tartan tie, aware that his badge now carried a greater weight. “I was filled, deep within me, with this huge desire… to protect the younger ones… to set a fine example of good citizenship,” Charles recalls. For him, leadership was about responsibility.

Charles’ story began in 1968 at Aspinall House, where his father, Peter Kiefel (‘50), had once served as Deputy Head Prefect and House Captain. He quickly distinguished himself: recipient of Dr Winston’s Prize for Citizenship, Cadet Officer, accomplished debater, recipient of Cricket Colours, and a key member of The Scotsman editorial team. His first cricket report even remarked on his “stylish potential.”

After graduating in 1973, Charles began a Bachelor of Commerce at UNSW while mentoring younger students— among them, his cousin James Hunt (‘80). He is also the son of the namesakes of the The Miriam and Ralph Hunt Prize for Excellence in Musical Performance in Year 7.

Charles’ professional journey began with Coopers & Lybrand in London and Milan, before moving to Lazard Brothers in London and Lazard Frères in New York. Returning to Australia, he became the youngest Executive Director in Ord Minnett’s history before joining ANZ Investment Group in 1990. There, he led several landmark privatisations — including the IPO of Qantas Airways, the sale of federal airports, and Coles Myer’s record-breaking Employee Share Ownership Plan.

In the early 1990s, Charles advised the American multinational PG&E on the acquisition of Victorian state assets.

As Chairman of the Military Superannuation and Benefits Board from 1997 to 2007, Charles oversaw extraordinary growth from under $400 million to $2.6 billion. Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston described it as a “remarkable feat” and praised his service to the men and women of the Australian Defence Force.

Under Charles’ leadership, ANZ helped bring LSV Asset Management — now managing $97 billion globally — into the Australian market. LSV co-founder Josef Lakonishok credited Charles for securing $10 billion in Australian investment, while partner ChrisLacroix called him “a legend… a force of nature.”

Leadership roles followed across the finance sector — inaugural Board Chair of Hyperion Asset Management, Non-Executive Director at Pacific Equity Partners, Board Review Member at CHAMP Private Equity, and leadership positions with Lochard Company. From 2018, as co-founder and Chair of the Australian Advisory Board on Competitiveness, Charles helped forge innovation partnerships between Australia and the United States. In 2024, he was elected Vice Chair of the Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils, joining an elite global group of five Corporate Sustainable Members.

His service has been recognised nationally: awarded the OAM in 2009 “for service to the superannuation and funds management industries and as a supporter of charitable and educational institutions,” and the AM in 2019 “for significant service to Australia–United States relations, and to philanthropy.”

Philanthropy has been a constant thread throughout Charles’ life. He has served the Menzies Foundation, chaired the Wilson HTM Charitable Trust, and supported initiatives in health, education, environmental restoration, and the arts. In November 2024, Charles and his Principals Funds Management team travelled to Dharamsala, India, where they had the rare honour of meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Gyuto Tantric Buddhist Monastery. The visit came after Charles’ generous $100,000 donation to the monastery — the full amount the organisation had hoped to raise through its campaign. These funds are being used to preserve and translate sacred Buddhist texts, many of which were rescued following the desecration of monasteries during China’s invasion of Tibet and the Cultural Revolution.

In recognition of this support, Charles was named Patron of the Gyuto Monastery Library, established by the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. Reflecting on the experience, Charles expressed gratitude to His Holiness for “encouraging peace throughout the world” and shared his appreciation for the Buddhist values of “selflessness, forgiveness, kindness and generosity.”

Beyond this gift, Charles also pledged a $35,000 USD minibus to the monastery to assist in transporting visitors from the airport — a practical gesture that will have an immediate and lasting impact.

Today, Charles continues to lead international enterprises, participate in diplomatic forums, and support a variety of foundations. His vision and generosity remain hallmarks of his character — qualities that were noted even during his Scots days. Writing in 1973, former Principal Guthrie E.M. Wilson described Charles as “hardworking and able, he will do well as a citizen and in the career of his choice.”

His generosity has come full circle to Bellevue Hill, with Charles bequeathing $1 million in his will and pledging a further $1 million to establish a means-tested scholarship, in perpetuity, in his family’s name, of which $200,000 has already been funded. The scholarship criteria, crafted by the College in partnership with Charles, will reflect the Kiefel family’s values and traditions, offering generations of young men the opportunity to succeed in life, as Charles himself has been fortunate to do.

From boardrooms to monasteries, he continues to leave his mark on business, the College and the wider world.