Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research today announced Dr Megan Clark as the new Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).
Dr Clark will succeed Dr Geoff Garrett, whose term as Chief Executive ends on 31 December 2008.
Welcoming Dr Clark's appointment, Senator Carr said her experience in science, research and business would allow her to represent the CSIRO on the national and international stage.
"The Government is very pleased that Dr Clark has agreed to lead the CSIRO," Senator Carr said.
"Her vast leadership experience in the development and application of science and technology in a business environment will be an invaluable asset for the CSIRO and for the nation.
"Dr Clark understands the work of CSIRO and appreciates the unique challenges the organisation faces.
"Her experience will also be critical to the central role the CSIRO will play in helping to revitalise Australia's national innovation system," he said.
Dr Clark is currently the Vice President Health, Safety, Environment, Community and Sustainability at BHP Billiton. She has been appointed as Chief Executive of CSIRO for a five year term commencing in January 2009.
"I look forward to working with Dr Clark to ensure that CSIRO maintains and strengthens its position as Australia's pre-eminent research organisation," Senator Carr said.
"CSIRO is an important institution for all Australians. I have no doubt that Dr Clark will lead the organisation with vision and purpose."
* Background information and Dr Clark's CV are below.
* Image available at: www.scienceimage.csiro.au/mediarelease/
Media contact: Catriona Jackson, Minister's Office, 0417 142 238
Dr Megan Clark DSc, PhD, BSc, FATSE, GAICD
Dr Clark's appointment as the next Chief Executive and member of the CSIRO Board was announced on 3 September 2008. She will commence in January 2009.
Dr Clark will succeed Dr Geoff Garrett who will successfully complete his term as Chief Executive on 31 December 2008.
Dr Clark began her career as a mine geologist and subsequently worked in mineral exploration, mine geology, R&D management, venture capital and technical strategy areas with WMC Resources over a 15 year period.
During 2001-2003 she served on the Board of NM Rothschild & Sons (Australia), as Director of Arrow Capital Investors Pty Ltd, and CEO and Executive Director of Rothschild Australia E-Fund Investors Limited.
From 2003 to June 2008, Dr Clark was the Vice President Technology, BHP Billiton. Since July 2008 she has been Vice President, Health, Safety, Environment, Community and Sustainability, BHP Billiton.
Dr Clark is currently on the Advisory Board of the Ian Wark Research Institute and a member of the St Vincent’s Hospital Foundation Board.
Dr Clark previously served on the Boards of the A J Parker Co-operative Research Centre, the Victorian Partnership for Advanced Computing, the Australian Research Council Collaborative Grants Committee in the areas of engineering and geosciences, and the CSIRO Minerals Advisory Council.
Dr Clark’s extensive experience in both the development and application of technology and her understanding of science and how it delivers benefit to society has seen her recognised as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, and she currently serves on the Expert Panel for the Review of the National Innovation System.
Curriculum Vitae
Dr Megan Clark DSc, PhD, BSc, FATSE, GAICD
Qualifications
1987 Ph.D. Economic Geology Queen’s University, Kingston; Ontario, Canada
1981 B.Sc. Hons. Economic Geology University of Western Australia, Perth Australia
Current positions
• Vice President Health, Safety, Environment, Community and Sustainability, BHP Billiton
• Member of the Advisory Board of the Ian Wark Research Institute for Particle Science
• Member, St Vincent’s Hospital Foundation Board
• Member, National Innovation Review Panel – Australia
Previous positions
• Vice President Technology, BHP Billiton – 2003-2008
• Director, NM Rothschild and Sons (Australia) - 2001-2003
• Member of the Australian Research Council Collaborative Grants Committee in the areas of engineering and geosciences
• Various positions with WMC Resources till 1999 culminating in Manager New Business Technology
• Member of Board of A J Parker Co-operative Research Centre
• Director, Victorian Partnership for Advanced Computing
• Member of the CSIRO Minerals Sector Advisory Council
• Prime Minister’s Science Engineering Innovation Council – Working Group on China and India
Memberships
• Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering
• Graduate of the Institute of Company Directors
Awards and Honours
2006 Elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology
Science and Engineering
2006 Honorary Doctor of Science Degree awarded by University of WA