CSIRO board appointments announced

CSIRO has welcomed the reappointment of Shirley In’t Veld and the appointment of Brian Watson to its board. The news was announced by Minister for Industry and Science Ian Macfarlane, who said Watson and In’t Veld have the skills, knowledge and business experience to help to guide the CSIRO’s role in scientific development and putting science at the heart of industry.

In’t Veld is an experienced board director with broad energy sector knowledge and extensive experience as a senior business manager. She is currently the chairperson of the Sustainability Committee of Asciano; a council member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (WA) and the SMART Infrastructure Facility (University of Wollongong); a member of the CSIRO Board and of the CSIRO Board Audit committee; a member of the CSIRO Energy Strategic Advisory Committee; a member of the Perth Airport Board; a panel member of the Renewable Energy Target Review; and the chair of the Queensland Government electricity expert panel.

Watson, whose appointment to the CSIRO board commences on 14 September, is similarly an experienced board member and chairperson. He is currently the executive chairman of Georgica Associates; on the boards of MeeMeep and Victorian International Container Terminal; a board member and chair of the Finance and Investment Committee of Berry Street Victoria; and a member of the Melbourne Grammar School Foundation Board.

Macfarlane praised Watson for his “strong finance and business skills and experience working closely with government, including as a former member of the Board of Guardians of the Future Fund”. He added that In’t Veld’s business leadership skills, industry connections, background in commerce and law, and experience in the energy and resources sector will provide “ongoing corporate knowledge that will benefit the board”.