Ron Cotton has had an extensive business career across a variety of industries. He served Ampol Petroleum Ltd for 20 years, the last 12 years as Controller and Group General Manager. In 1981 he was appointed as Chief Financial Officer, and was subsequently Group Managing Director Operations for the John Fairfax Publishing Group, which included newspapers, magazines, Macquarie radio and the Seven Television network.

In 1989, he commenced a consultancy practice in business strategy, negotiation and corporate advice, and now has an extensive portfolio of activities in the public and private sectors.

Currently, he is the Chair of the Advisory Board of Crown & Marks Executive Search, as well as providing a number of other advisory, consulting and mentoring services.

He has served as a member of the Building Commission for the Sydney 2000 Olympics, the Sydney Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal Committee, the Board of the Japan Entrepreneurial Presidents Association (Australian Division), and the Library Foundation of NSW, among other community organisations and chairs the Tenix Family Foundation.