Corporate Ladder: Your guide to executive appointments in Queensland
Queensland’s executive appointments column tracking the movements of those driving the state’s public and private sectors.
University chancellor appointed Board Chair
CQUniversity Chancellor Dr Graeme Innes AM has been appointed Chair of the Australian Government’s National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Board.
Glenn Keys AO and Dr Kim Isaacs have also been appointed to fill existing board vacancies.
CQUniversity said the appointment recognises Innes’ decades of disability rights advocacy across his work as a lawyer, author and director.
Innes has served as Australia’s Disability Discrimination Commissioner for nine years, has more than 30 years’ experience as a human rights practitioner and has been CQU Chancellor since December 2022.
CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Nick Klomp welcomed the appointment, saying it was a testament to Innes’ expertise and leadership.
“Graeme is an outstanding advocate for people with disability, and this appointment recognises the depth of experience and commitment he brings to improving outcomes for people across Australia,” Professor Klomp said.
Innes will start the role from December 17 for a three-year term and take over the position from Kurt Fearnley.
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He said he looked forward to working collaboratively with people with disability, their families, the sector and Government.
“In my new role with the NDIA, my priority will be to uphold the rights of NDIS participants and help ensure the scheme delivers meaningful, sustainable outcomes,” Innes said.
Water utility company welcomes new CEO
Sunwater announced that James Benjamin will start as CEO effective immediately, its board announced on Thursday, October 29.
The board said Benjamin’s extensive leadership experience across utilities, infrastructure and water sectors influenced his appointment, along with his expertise in managing diverse stakeholder interests, driving operational efficiencies and enhanced returns from capital investments.
His career highlights include holding CEO roles at North West Phosphate and Bowen River Utilities, Head of Strategic Finance with Urban Utilities, executive positions in the Queensland Government’s Energy and Water Departments and a key advisor to Queensland Government Ministers.
Sunwater Chair Jeff Seeney said Benjamin has a track record of leading complex infrastructure projects and working closely with government, water customers, industry and regional communities.
“His experience and leadership make him an excellent choice to lead Sunwater as we continue delivering safe, reliable and affordable water services for our customers and long-term water security for Queensland,” he said.
Benjamin said he was honoured to join the Sunwater team and continue delivering value for Queenslanders’ regional water users.
“As someone with a strong interest in enduring, purpose-driven companies, I’m proud to join an iconic Queensland organisation, lead a team focused on excellence, serving its customers and driving economic growth in regional communities,” Benjamin said.
Urban consultancy expands Board
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Urbis has announced it will be expanding its board with the two new appointments as the firm enters a phase of growth, with the appointment of property investment leader Susan MacDonald as a Non-Executive Director and experienced Victorian regional director Matthew Cleary as an Executive Director.
MacDonald brings more than 30 years’ experience across retail property investment management, including asset, development and funds management, both in Australia and overseas.
She has held senior leadership roles with Mirvac, Lendlease, AMP Capital and Galileo Funds Management and is a Non-Executive Director of Cbus Property, QIC and Waypoint REIT and a strategic advisor to Mainbrace Constructions.
Cleary brings more than two decades of property and leadership experience across Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
He has advised on major investment, development and strategy projects and is regularly engaged by investment committees and boards to provide strategy and governance-related advice.
Urbis Managing Partner James Tuma welcomed the two appointments, which he said would contribute external perspective and internal leadership to the Board.
“Susan and Matt are exceptional additions to the Urbis Board,” Tuma said.
“Susan brings world-class governance, commercial and investment expertise developed across some of Australia’s leading property organisations, while Matt contributes deep market insight, client understanding, and proven leadership from within Urbis.”
MacDonald and Cleary’s appointments follow the conclusion of Natalie Hoitz’s tenure on the Board.
AI consultancy announces new appointments
APAC data and AI consultancy V2 AI announced today the appointment of Shane Rendoth as a Brisbane Partner, as well as Josh Lopez and Sam Harley in Applied AI roles in Sydney.
Rendoth brings extensive experience in enterprise technology, strategic partnerships and business transformation, with previous roles including Head of Major Accounts in ANZ at Versent.
He has worked on transformation programs spanning AI, data, security, identity and digital experience with an approach combining executive-level strategic advice with a practical understanding of delivery, investment, navigation and value.
Rendoth’s role at V2 AI will involve helping Queensland-based organisations connect their business ambitions with technology and AI strategies.
“The biggest challenge for many organisations is knowing where to focus their effort and investment to achieve the outcomes that matter. I’m looking forward to working with V2 AI’s customers to cut through the complexity, challenge conventional thinking and help leadership teams make confident decisions about where data and AI can create lasting value,” said Rendoth.
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