Sean Keenihan

Sean Keenihan is a highly regarded lawyer and strategic advisor with deep connections across government, industry, education, and the community sector in Australia and throughout Asia. 
 

Over more than 30 years as a legal practitioner and advisor (including time in Indonesia and China), his career has spanned, governance, corporate law, infrastructure, and international engagement, with a consistent focus on turning complex challenges into practical, long‑term outcomes. Sean is recognised for his ability to bring people, projects, and opportunities together – often across sectors, cultures, and jurisdictions – to drive meaningful economic growth and lasting benefits for South Australia.

A passionate advocate for South Australia and its global profile, Sean has played a significant role in strengthening trade, investment, tourism, international education, and cross‑cultural relationships, particularly between South Australia and China. Having lived and studied in China in the 1980s, he is a highly competent Mandarin speaker and an established leader in Australia–China engagement. His leadership of peak bodies including the Australia China Business Council (SA), the South Australian Tourism Commission and StudyAdelaide reflects his commitment to positioning South Australia as a world‑class destination for international students, visitors, business and innovation.

Sean is the Chair of Norman Waterhouse Lawyers and a widely respected governance and commercial lawyer. He is known for guiding clients through complex infrastructure, development and transactional matters with commercially grounded, innovative and solution‑focused advice. Beyond his legal practice and government roles, Sean has held a range of board and advisory roles in private sector and community organisations across education, infrastructure, climate adaptation and the resources industry, reflecting his broader contribution to shaping the State’s economy and communities.