23 June 2026 - For immediate release
The Australian Computer Society (ACS) today announced that Dr Prins Ralston has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
An ACS member for 35 years and former ACS President, Dr Ralston brings a deep understanding of the organisation, its members and its role in Australia’s technology profession. This member perspective, combined with his experience leading complex organisations, positions him strongly to guide ACS through its next chapter.
Dr Ralston has served as Interim CEO since March this year and will now formally lead ACS as the organisation sharpens its focus on supporting Australia’s technology professionals, strengthening the national digital skills pipeline, and advancing the role of the tech sector in Australia’s future economy.
ACS President Beau Tydd said Dr Ralston’s appointment provides stability, continuity, and clear leadership at an important time for the organisation and the broader technology profession.
“Prins brings a rare combination of member insight, organisational leadership, and strategic clarity,” Mr Tydd said.
“As a long-time ACS member and former President, he understands the value ACS provides and the expectations of our members. Combined with his experience leading complex organisations, Prins is well placed to strengthen ACS’s impact and ensure we remain focused on delivering meaningful value for members and the profession.
“His appointment reflects the confidence we have in his ability to lead ACS through its next chapter, with a renewed focus on members, professional standards, digital capability, and the role of technology professionals in shaping Australia’s future.”
Dr Ralston said he was honoured to accept the role and looked forward to working with ACS members, staff, volunteers, partners, industry, and government to strengthen Australia’s technology ecosystem.
“ACS has played an important role throughout my professional life, and I understand first-hand the value of belonging to a community that supports, represents, and advances the technology profession,” Dr Ralston said.
“Our focus now is on delivering greater value for members, supporting professional recognition and capability, and helping Australia build the technology workforce and leadership it needs for the future.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead ACS and excited about what we can achieve together.”
Throughout his career, Dr Ralston has demonstrated the vision, expertise, and strategic clarity required to guide complex organisations through periods of change. His leadership style reflects a genuine commitment to people, culture, and long‑term sustainability, and his perspective aligns strongly with ACS priorities.
Dr Ralston’s background spans engineering, IT and communications, complemented by qualifications in accounting and law, and a doctorate in juridical science. He has served for 18 years as CEO across public, private, and for‑purpose sectors, most recently as Chief Executive Officer of Townsville City Council, where he led a large‑scale organisational transformation with an annual operating budget approaching $1 billion.
He also brings deep expertise in ethics, governance, and law, having spent seven years as a partner in top‑tier and national law firms specialising in capital markets and governance.
ACS will continue to work closely with members, branches, partners, and stakeholders to support the growth and recognition of Australia’s technology profession.
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Further information
Troy Steer
Director of Corporate Affairs and Public Policy
M – 0417 173 740
E – troy.steer@acs.org.au
About ACS
ACS is the voice of Australia’s technology sector, representing over 40,000 technology professionals across all industries and across the nation. Our members work in industry, education, government, and the community delivering the digital services that drive the nation and provide the high-skilled jobs of today and tomorrow. ACS works to grow the technology sector while making sure IT professionals act ethically, responsibly, and in keeping with the best interests of not only their employers, but the wider community. Through our network of branches in every state and Territory, our education programs, and our history of over sixty years, ACS works to help all Australians be part of the nation’s highest growth sector. Visit www.acs.org.au for more information.
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