CSIRO names new deputy chair

Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Christopher Pyne has announced Shirley In’t Veld as the deputy chairperson of the CSIRO board, a role she commenced in on 14 April. A member of the CSIRO board since June 2012, In’t Veld has a background in commerce and law, broad knowledge of the energy sector and experience as a senior business manager.

In’t Veld started her career as a commercial lawyer with Mallesons and has held senior legal, commercial and marketing positions with WMC Resources, Bond Corporation and BankWest. From 1997 to 2007 she held senior positions with Alcoa Australia, including as VP Primary Business Development, Alcoa. She was the CEO of Verve Energy, a state government-owned electricity producer in Western Australia, from 2007 to 2012.

She is also an experienced board member and chairperson, serving on the boards of Asciano, DUET Group, Perth Airport and the National Broadband Network (nbn) and as chairperson of the Sustainability Committee of Asciano. She was previously a board member of the Energy Supply Association of Australia, the Cooperative Research Centre for Landscape Evolution in Mineral Exploration (CSIRO) and the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies in WA.

Announcing the appointment, Pyne said In’t Veld is well placed to assist the CSIRO board chair in ensuring the proper and efficient performance of the functions of the organisation, claiming her “substantial business leadership skills, industry links and connections will continue to benefit the board as it furthers its collaborations between science and industry”.

“Ms In’t Veld’s appointment ensures ongoing corporate knowledge that will benefit the CSIRO board,” continued Pyne. “Her skills and experience complement those of the other board members.

“I warmly congratulate Ms In’t Veld on her appointment and thank Ms In’t Veld for her willingness to take on the additional responsibilities of the deputy chairperson position.”

The news follows yesterday’s announcement that CSIRO will be establishing a national climate centre, staffed by 40 full-time scientists, to be based in Hobart.