McGrath Limited has announced the appointment of tech guru Daniel Petre AO—the former lieutenant to Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates—as a Non-Executive Director of the Company.

Petre is one of Australia’s leading internet entrepreneurs, the founder of AirTree Ventures, netus and ecorp, an author and philanthropist. Petre has been a leading player in Australia’s technology industry for more than 25 years and has held leadership positions in a number of technology businesses including nine years at Microsoft during which he worked closely with Bill Gates as Vice-President of the Work Group Division. He has also been an active technology investor, co-founding AirTree Ventures, a $60 million Investment Fund established to invest in disruptive technology companies at the growth stage, as well as netus and ecorp, the digital investment company for PBL which brought ebay to Australia and founded ninemsn.

Through the Petre Foundation, he has donated more than $10 million to charitable causes and medical research, and was made an Officer in the Order of Australia in 2005 for distinguished service to Australia.

"We are fortunate that Daniel has agreed to join our Board at this very important stage of McGrath’s expansion," said McGrath Limited Chairman David Mackay. "He is an outstanding business leader and his ability to understand the influence of technology, and leverage it to the benefit of our customers will be invaluable to us."

McGrath Chief Executive John McGrath said the addition of Petre to the board was a strong endorsement of the growth and potential of the company. "I believe that Daniel will play an important role in helping shape the future direction of McGrath. Technology is a game changer for the industry and the consumer. It is and will continue to be a strong driver in influencing the demographic shifts in business," he said.

McGrath and Petre have known each other for many years. Earlier this year, Petre and his wife Carolyn purchased a Lavender Bay home through McGrath Mosman.