Stuart joined the Lend Lease group in 1964 as a Site Engineer, became Chief Executive in 1978 when he was 39, Executive Chair in 1988, and Non-Executive Chair in 1994. He retired as Chairman in 2000, after 36 years of service to the company and its employees.During his career, he has also been a director of Westpac, IBM Asia Pacific and IBM Global Services Australia.
To honour his contribution to both Australian and international business, he was awarded an AO in 1988 and was named ABM Businessman of the Year in 1994.
On his retirement from Lend Lease, the employees and shareholders recognised his enormous contribution by establishing The Hornery Institute which he now chairs. The Institute's charter is to help make communities better places to live, learn, work and play.
Stuart was a member of the Australian National Training Authority from its inception in 1992, and Chairman from 1995 until his retirement at the end of 2002. ANTA was responsible for the strategic direction of vocational education in Australia until late 2005, after which it's functions were transfered to the Department of Education, Science and Training.
Stuart was recently awarded a Centenary Medal by the Prime Minister of Australia and an Honorary Fellowship by the Institution of Engineers, Australia.
In addition, Stuart's significant personal contribution to the construction industry was recently recognised by a special presentation by the Australian Constructors Association.