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Simon McKeon Appointed to Helm of CSIRO
Media Release: Senator the Hon Kim Carr
SIMON MCKEON APPOINTED TO HELM OF CSIRO
21 June 2010. Mr Simon McKeon has been appointed Chairman of the CSIRO Board.
Mr McKeon brings executive experience in a wide range of public and private sector organisations to the Board. He is currently the Executive Chairman of the Melbourne Office at Macquarie Group.
Announcing the appointment today, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said Mr McKeon’s background in business, law and high-profile aid organisations make him ideally suited for the position.
“We are very lucky to have someone of Simon McKeon’s calibre as the new Chairman,” Senator Carr said.
“His extensive knowledge and experience will add to the depth of experience already represented on the CSIRO Board.
“His ability to combine financial expertise with philanthropic pursuits gives him a perspective that will be of great benefit to CSIRO. He will help set the future direction of Australia’s pre-eminent research organisation.”
Mr McKeon is also the founding President of the Australian Takeovers Panel, Chair of MS Research Australia, Chairman of Business for Millennium Development, Director of VisionFund International, Director of the Global Poverty Project and Director of Red Dust Role Models. He is a dedicated sailor and helmsman of the world’s fastest sailboat, the Macquarie Innovation.
Mr McKeon will take up his position for five years from 28 June 2010.
He succeeds Dr John Stocker, who will complete his term as Chairman on 27 June 2010.
“John Stocker has made an outstanding contribution to Australian science and science administration. He has served CSIRO as Chairman – and before that as CEO – with tremendous distinction,” Senator Carr said.
