CSIRO Chair resigns, citing personal reasons

Kathryn Fagg has resigned as CSIRO Chair, with Deputy Chair Ming Long (pictured right) appointed as her replacement.

Fagg has been in the role since October 2021 and a member of the board since August 2018. Personal reasons were cited in her decision to step aside, shared in an update on Friday.

Her replacement Long has been Deputy Chair since May 2024 and was described as having broad governance experience “across financial services, real estate, infrastructure, and telecommunications; and significant executive experience in financial stewardship.”

Industry minister Ed Husic (pictured left) thanked Fagg, a former engineer, for bringing “tremendous experience” to her role.

“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.”

Long’s roles include on the Climate Governance Initiative at the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and ASIC’s Corporate Governance Consultative Panel.

“I look forward to supporting CSIRO's independent science and research excellence, in collaborating and transforming national challenges and priorities into opportunities for Australia,” she said.

It was also announced that Vanessa Sullivan has joined CSIRO’s board of directors. Husic added that her “experience in the renewable energy and sustainability sectors makes her a welcome addition”.

Picture: supplied