CHAIR

Ian has over 20 years’ experience in the ICT sector and, has led organizations with more than 300 people, delivering products and outcomes that have impacted hundreds of millions of people globally. He has held senior management roles in Europe and Australia as Director for Radio Access Performance at Nokia, Global Head of Sales Partnering (network software) at Nokia Siemens Networks, and then Divisional Chief and Flagship Director at CSIRO. Ian is considered a thought leader in the area of the Digital Economy and is a regular speaker on “Big Data”, broadband enabled services and the impact of technology on society. He has contributed to 6 books and co-authored more than 120 papers which have been cited more than 3200 times. Ian has an MBA from the University of London and a Doctor of Philosophy in Mobile Telecommunications from Sydney University.

Alex is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Myriota - born of The University of South Australia’s Global Sensor Network research program. He also co-founded Cohda, an SME focussed on reliable inter-vehicle communications for public safety - an enterprise of a number of research scientist's from the University of South Australia's Institute for Telecommunications Research. Previously, Alex was Research Professor of Information Theory at the Institute and is one of the leading telecommunications researchers in Australia.

Brendan has worked in the Australian telecommunications industry for over 20 years, with experience at Telstra, the Overseas Telecommunications Corporation, and Optus. His current role at Optus is National Manager of Radio Access Strategy, and is responsible for defining the technology and spectrum strategy of the Optus 2G and 3G mobile networks, as well as conducting high level commercial and technical evaluation of new technology opportunities. Dr. Jones holds the B.E. degree with First Class Honours from Newcastle University and the Ph.D. degree from Macquarie University.

Geof Heydon is Principal at Heydon Consulting & Creatortech Associate, (formerly CSIRO , VP Alcatel Lucent). Formerly, he was VP at Alcatel Lucent. Geof is a visionary with more than 25 years commercial experience from a global leading telecommunications company as well as bringing intimate knowledge of government.

Formerly the General Manager Education and Health, NBN Co, Dr Kate Cornick, has recently taken up the position of Director, Industry Engagement and Innovation at University of Melbourne. With a PhD in optical communications, Kate has overseen pioneering projects such as exploring ways in which broadband can aid the health and wellbeing of Australians as well as expand the educational opportunities for the nation's schoolchildren.

Peter Elford is Director, Government eRelations at AARNet (formerly RDSI and CISCO). Formerly, he was a senior executive at CISCO. Peter brings a wealth of commercial experience from a global leading communications company as well as bringing intimate knowledge of government.

Phil is Chief Operating Officer at NICTA and has over 25 years experience in technology research, development and commercialisation in both the private and public sectors. Before joining NICTA he was Director of Canon’s Australian R&D subsidiary, CISRA (Canon Information Systems Research Australia). During his 10 years at CISRA the company grew to become one of Australia’s largest multinational R&D subsidiaries (over 300 staff) with its technologies successfully integrated into Canon’s global products. Prior to CISRA, he held research, program and strategy management positions at CSIRO, Australia’s largest scientific and industrial research organisation.

A veteran of the industry world and the innovation system, Rowan joined EM Solutions as a Director in 2007 and became Managing Director and CEO in October 2011. His role is to lead EM Solutions to achieve its vision to become a world-leading company recognised for offering technologically superior microwave modules and systems for next generation broadband communications.

Tim is a Telecommunications Consultant, Commercial Strategist and Contractor with significant telecommunications infrastructure experience. Tim is principal of his strategic consultancy firm in telecommunications and information technology. It offers a range of specialist services focused on the technology industries.