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Ian oconnor governance
07 June, 2022

AARNet announces new Board Chair

Professor Emeritus Ian O'Connor AC succeeds Professor Emeritus Gerard Sutton AO as Chair of the AARNet Board.

AARNet Corporate Media Releases

AARNet, Australia’s Academic and Research Network, is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Emeritus Ian O'Connor AC as Chair of the AARNet Board of Directors, effective immediately. Professor O’Connor succeeds Professor Emeritus Gerard Sutton AO, who recently retired after serving as Chair for more than ten years.

“It’s a privilege to take up this role at such an exciting time for AARNet and the higher education and research sector. The digital infrastructure needs of researchers and educators are changing rapidly and AARNet is well-placed to develop innovative solutions to meet these changes. I’m looking forward to working with the Board and the AARNet Team to drive long-term value for our shareholders and customers,” he said.

Professor O’Connor brings a wealth of experience to the role. He has served as Chair of the Queensland Art Gallery Board of Trustees since March 2017 and was Vice Chancellor and President of Griffith University from 2005 to 2018.

Professor O'Connor has served as a consultant to, or as a member of, various Government and non-Government bodies including as Chair of the Higher Education Standards Panel from 2018 to 2021.

AARNet CEO Chris Hancock AM said, “We are delighted to have Professor O’Connor join the AARNet Board with his wealth of experience and his focus on growing AARNet further in the coming years.”

“I would also like to thank outgoing Chair Professor Sutton for his outstanding contribution to the growth and success of AARNet. He leaves the company strategically well-positioned for the future.”

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