AIIA announces diverse, influential 2021 board of directors

THE Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA), the peak representative body for Australia’s information and communication technology (ICT) industry, has announced a new 2021 board of directors composition featuring diverse and influential executive leaders within the ICT sector. 

Continuing AIIA chairman, and senior Deloitte partner, Robert Hillard said the AIIA board oversees all AIIA operations, develops the AIIA National Business Plan, and sets the strategic direction of the association. Mr Hillard continues as AIIA chairman, having served on the AIIA’s board for two years following an earlier three-year term.

“The AIIA’s new board of directors bring to the table a truly impressive and diverse range of specialisations, skills, perspectives and a wealth of experiences,” Mr Hillard said. “I’m proud to welcome the newest members to the AIIA board and thank the ongoing support of our continuing and outgoing board members.

“We have a range of highly experienced individuals joining the board who I’m sure will make a strong impact. Together, our aim is to stimulate and grow the digital ecosystem in Australia.”  

Senior executive company leaders within the technology industry, Dell’s Angela Fox and Information Professionals’ Mark Nicholls were successful in the national election and are reappointed as deputy chairs.

ICT industry specialist and CEO Stuart Althaus, of SME Gateway, now joins the AIIA board as treasurer. Existing board member Matt Codrington, managing director at Lenovo, has also been re-appointed to the board.

Additionally, Mr Hillard said, the AIIA board “proudly reflects the association’s commitment to improving gender diversity in the tech industry” with a third of the seats now held by leading women in the industry.

Katrina Troughton, IBM’s first female managing director, joins the board alongside Elizabeth Whitelock, CEO of human-centred AI company, Houston We Have.

Bringing her deep technology, business and operational expertise Lynette Clunies-Ross, CEO at SAS, joins the board as well. 

“As we look to re-shape our economy post COVID-19, Australia’s tech industry is in a great position to play a leading role,” Mr. Hillard said. “The AIIA will continue to champion our members’ needs and support innovative technology to lead Australia’s economic growth.

“The AIIA has had an incredible year of growth in 2020 with significant spikes in member numbers, superb entries for our annual iAwards and leading discussions on Australia’s ICT industry needs with all levels of government. The AIIA looks forward to building on these strong foundations and continuing to extend our strong relationships with industry and government,” Mr Hillard said. 

The AIIA’s full board of directors for 2021 are:

• Stuart Althaus (Chief Executive Officer, SME Gateway)
• Craig Baty (Principal, Data Driven)
• Ken Boal (Vice President, Cisco)
• Lynette Clunies-Ross (Region Vice President and Managing Director, SAS Australia and New Zealand)
• Matt Codrington (Managing Director, Lenovo Australia and NZ)
• Angela Fox (Managing Director, Dell Australia and NZ)
• Rob Hillard (Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, Deloitte)
• John Ieraci (Chief Customer Officer, Telstra Enterprise)
• Megan James (Director, Public Sector ANZ  at Dataminr)
• Sharryn Napier (Vice President and Regional Director Australia and NZ, Qlik)
• Mark Nicholls (Managing Director, Information Professionals Pty Ltd)
• John Paitaridis (Chief Executive Officer CyberCX and CEO Technology Portfolio, BGH Capital)
• Vito Rinaldi (Managing Director, Blue Crystal Solutions)
• Karl Sice (Business Leader ANZ, Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise)
• Rupert Taylor-Price (Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Vault Cloud)
• Katrina Troughton (Managing Director of IBM Australia and New Zealand)
• Elizabeth Whitelock (CEO & Managing Director at Houston We Have)

AIIA State Council Chairs for 2021:

NSW Council - Bridget Tracy, IBM Australia Ltd

Victorian Council - Warren Hill, Data#3 Ltd 

Queensland Council - Mark Nicholls, Information Professionals Pty Ltd.

ACT Council - Greg Boorer, CDC Data Centres Pty Ltd

Western Australia Council - Sharon Brown, Sharon Brown & Associates

South Australian/Northern Territory Council - Tim Chopping, SRA Information Technology Pty Ltd.

* The AIIA is a not-for-profit organisation aimed at fuelling Australia’s future social and economic prosperity through technology innovation. 

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