Ming Long appointed Chair of CSIRO

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic has announced the appointment of Ming Long to the role of CSIRO Chair, following the resignation of Long’s predecessor, Kathryn Fagg.

Fagg, who made the decision to step aside for personal reasons, has been Chair since October 2021 and on the CSIRO board since August 2018. Long has served as Deputy Chair since May 2024.

Husic thanked Fagg for bringing tremendous experience to her position — both as a former engineer and as a respected senior executive — saying, “CSIRO has benefited from having such a pioneering woman in STEM at the helm.” He also welcomed Long as the new Chair, describing her as “an accomplished executive who brings with her exceptional corporate governance insight”.

Long has broad governance experience across financial services, real estate, infrastructure and telecommunications, as well as significant executive experience in financial stewardship. She also contributes to Australia’s climate transition and corporate governance through her roles on the Climate Governance Initiative at the Australian Institute of Company Directors, as well as ASIC’s Corporate Governance Consultative Panel.

“I am honoured to be appointed Chair and acknowledge Kathryn Fagg’s significant leadership and legacy in positioning CSIRO for the future,” Long said.

“I look forward to supporting CSIRO’s independent science and research excellence, in collaborating and transforming national challenges and priorities into opportunities for Australia.”

Finally, the CSIRO board has welcomed the appointment of Vanessa Sullivan. Sullivan has 20 years of experience in the energy, water and sustainability sectors, with recent work in hydrogen industry development.

“Vanessa Sullivan’s experience in the renewable energy and sustainability sectors makes her a welcome addition to the board,” Husic said.

“I know these appointments will help ensure the strong leadership and governance of CSIRO into the future.”

Pictured: CSIRO Chair Ming Long. Image ©ArmstrongQ.