Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has appointed current deputy chair, Ming Long, to the position of chair. She replaces Kathryn Fagg, who has resigned after three years in the role.
Fagg was appointed in October 2021, after being on the CSIRO board since August 2018. The company stated she is stepping aside for personal reasons.
Long has served as deputy chair since May 2024, and has experience across financial services, real estate, infrastructure, and telecommunications. She also contributes to Australia’s climate transition and corporate governance through her roles on the Climate Governance Initiative at the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and ASIC’s Corporate Governance Consultative Panel.
“I am honoured to be appointed chair and acknowledge Kathryn Fagg's significant leadership and legacy in positioning CSIRO for the future,” said Long.
“I look forward to supporting CSIRO's independent science and research excellence, in collaborating and transforming national challenges and priorities into opportunities for Australia.”
CSIRO also announced Vanessa Sullivan has been appointed to the board, coming in with strong commercial, financial, project and strategy experience gained over 20 years working across the energy, water and sustainability sectors, and more recently in hydrogen industry development.
Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic, thanked Fagg for bringing her experience to the position, both as a former engineer and as a respected senior executive.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Kathryn Fagg. CSIRO has benefitted from having such a pioneering woman in STEM at the helm and I wish her all the very best for the future,” said Husic.
“I welcome Ming Long as the new Chair – an accomplished executive who brings with her exceptional corporate governance insight. Vanessa Sullivan’s experience in the renewable energy and sustainability sectors makes her a welcome addition to the board.
“I know these appointments will help ensure the strong leadership and governance of CSIRO into the future,” he said.
