Innes Willox AM began his working career as a journalist. He was chief of staff at The Age newspaper in Melbourne, chief political correspondent for The Age in the Canberra Parliamentary Press Gallery, and chief of staff to the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer, from 2004 to 2006.
In 2020, Mr Willox was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to business, particularly to industry, and to the community.