Simon McKeon appointed to helm of CSIRO

With a background in business, law and high-profile aid organisations, Simon McKeon has been appointed Chairman of the CSIRO Board. He 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.

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.

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.