Bevan Slattery, CEO, Megaport
Tech entrepreneur Bevan Slattery co-founded PIPE Networks, which built a new undersea cable from Australia to Guam. He then founded data centre provider NEXTDC, which recently topped the 2014 Deloitte Technology Fast 50. His latest venture is Megaport, which aims to become the primary hub of data transfers by connecting with every data centre and submarine cable available. Slattery is great at anticipating future needs and setting up businesses accordingly.
Brenda Aynsley OAM, President, Australian Computer Society
Brenda Aynsley became president of the Australian Computer Society in January 2014. She received 2014 Australia Day Honours for services to the information and communications technology sector. Aynsley strongly believes there should be more women in IT and is pushing for greater diversity in the industry.
Michael Malone, Chairman, Diamond Cyber
iiNet founder Michael Malone shocked Australia’s tech world when he quit as CEO of the ISP earlier this year after more than two decades in the job. He’s known for taking on the movie studios over piracy – and winning – as well as building his company into the second-largest ISP after Telstra.
Pip Marlow, MD, Microsoft Australia
Pip Marlow took the reins of Microsoft Australia after over 15 years with the company, working on the channel side. Originally from New Zealand, she’s never been afraid to take risks and has a big focus on people – both staff and customers.
David Thodey, CEO, Telstra
David Thodey has led Telstra through a tumultuous era, with the organisation facing radical changes throughout the whole NBN saga. That story is not yet complete, but Thodey is a great example of how a steady hand at the tiller, and a personable attitude, can steer a company through highly uncertain times.
Suzanne Campbell, CEO, AIIA
Suzanne Campbell was appointed CEO of the Australian Information Industry Association in 2011 following over two decades in IT and telecommunications. Throughout her tenure, the AIIA has significantly influenced government policy, helping shape the AGIMO’s (Australian Government Information Management Office) big-data strategy and protecting ICT and research and development innovation by advocating for tax reform.
Megan Clark, CEO, CSIRO
As chief executive of Australia’s national research agency, Megan Clark has led the organisation though a difficult time, amid government funding cuts, anticipated staff cuts and research-centre closures. Despite this, Clark, who started out in mining technology and later headed BHP Billiton’s global technology unit, remains an outspoken advocate of the importance of science and technology to Australia’s future. She won birthday honours this year for “eminent service to scientific research and development through fostering innovation”.
Who else should be recognised as rocking Australia’s IT world over the past year? Let us know by having your say.
