CSIRO adds commerce to board

CSIRO has beefed up its board with two new non-executive members, one of whom -- Brian Keane -- is a former CEO of insurance giant AAMI. The other is Prof Alan Robson, vice-chancellor elect of the University of Western Australia.

CSIRO chair Catherine Livingstone said Keane's large-organisation skill set and his experience at managing organisational change would "greatly assist the board in strengthening its corporate governance and risk management frameworks".

Keane and Robson replace Don McDonald and Vicki Sara, whose terms as non-executive board members ended on 14 July this year.

Meanwhile, Robson is billed to boost the board's agricultural science representation, as well as adding his experience and links with academe and his knowledge of research management.

"I was really pleased to be appointed -- I have a long history of association with the CSIRO, and I am glad to see a continuing strong presence of CSIRO in Western Australia, and also its links with the tertiary sector," he said.

Robson noted that the connections he could bring -- between the body itself and universities -- would offer huge benefits to students working in close proximity to those associated with the nation's top research organisation.

In a statement, CSIRO chief Geoff Garrett the new board members would work the organisation's management team to supporting the implementation of its new strategic plan.