With over 30 years executive leadership experience in the media and telecommunications sectors, Chris led the extraordinary growth of AARNet for 21 years of his career. Under his leadership, AARNet extended the nation’s advanced network infrastructure and developed a suite of leading-edge technologies and solutions, driving innovation and enabling Australia’s participation on the world stage.
AARNet led an advanced capability in networking across Australia’s Universities, as well as health/research organisations, schools, cultural organisations and specialist content providers. Chris also led the way in Australia’s Cyber Security capabilities, having built the largest Cyber Security Operations centre in the Southern Hemisphere by data volume, enhancing the protection of campus networks, assets, and people from real time cyber threats.
Chris holds an Executive MBA from the University of New South Wales. Prior to joining AARNet, he held several key executive positions at Optus, including Managing Director of Optus Business, where he was an integral member of the senior executive team that completed the IPO and subsequent sale of Optus to Singtel. Chris is a past Chair of the Internet Industry Association of Australia and the Global CEO Forum.
Chris is presently a Director of the board of the Australian American Leadership Dialogue and the Australian Director of US Technology provider, Building Momentum. He was previously a Director of the Board of AARNet & AARNet Fibre Co, the Smart Services CRC and the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Chris was awarded an “Order of Australia” for his services to Telecommunications in Research & Education and for Australian / US relations. He is the 2025 winner of both the Communications Day Edison Award for Lifetime Achievement to the Telecommunications Industry and was also named Communications Ambassador at the 2025 Australian Telecommunications Industry Awards for Excellence.
