Executive Team

Dr Doug Hilton AO commenced as CSIRO Chief Executive on September 29, 2023.

A molecular and cellular biologist, Dr Hilton has held numerous board and advisory positions across medical and scientific institutions and is a fierce believer in collaboration across science, industry and government, to translate research into real-world outcomes. Between 2009-2023, Dr Hilton was Director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), where he had worked as a researcher since 1986, focussing on understanding how blood cells communicate and using this knowledge to improve disease treatments.

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Prof. Huntington leads a portfolio of enterprise functions, including strategy, government engagement, communications, business development and Indigenous science and engagement. She joined CSIRO in 2021 as Executive Director, Digital, National Facilities and Collections, where she led CSIRO’s data-focused research, digital capability, and major national research infrastructure, moving to the position of Deputy Chief Executive in July 2025. She is an established researcher in quantum technologies and senior leader with several Board appointments. Prior to joining CSIRO, Prof. Huntington was Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science at the Australian National University and Program Manager in the Australian Research Council Centre for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology. She is passionate about raising the profile of STEM in the community, breaking down barriers to participation, and attracting diverse talent to the field.

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Mr Munyard was appointed as Chief Operating Officer in May 2022, previously holding the position of Chief Finance Officer. Mr Munyard leads CSIRO’s finance, property, governance, and information management and technology teams. He is committed to continually improving CSIRO’s operations to best support the delivery of science and technology, with a focus on sustainability and best practice governance. Prior to joining CSIRO, Mr Munyard held several senior roles in the Commonwealth Departments of Immigration and Border Protection, Human Services and Climate Change. Mr Munyard is a qualified member of CPA Australia and has a degree of Commerce in Accounting from the University of Canberra.

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Dr Mayfield holds the position of Executive Director Environment, Energy and Resources and has worked in research and development for more than 25 years in both industry and government sectors. He is a qualified chemical engineer, graduating from the University of Queensland, where he also undertook his PhD studies into Gas Separations using Adsorption Technology. Dr Mayfield joined CSIRO after a long career at BHP Billiton. Before his current position, he held several research leadership roles at CSIRO, including Chief of Technology and Director of Energy.

• +61 2 4960 6045
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Dr Hough leads CSIRO’s data-focused research, development, and technology capability, heading up major national research infrastructure including the Pawsey Supercomputing Centre, the Marine National Facility, and the Australia Telescope National Facility. He also serves as a member of the WA Science and Technology Council, advising on the state’s strategic direction in research and innovation. Prior to his current role, Dr Hough was Director of Mineral Resources. A geoscientist with over 25 years’ experience in applied research and research leadership, with a BSc from the University of London and a PhD from the Open University (UK), has published widely and was recently recognised for his research leadership with the Gibb-Maitland Medal for 2022.

• +61 8 6436 8763
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Ms Gough was appointed Chief People Officer in April 2024, overseeing CSIRO’s human resources, health, safety and environment, and change management programs. With over 30 years’ experience in human resources and culture leadership, Ms Gough has worked across a number of sectors, including health, education, manufacturing, consulting, telecommunications and high technology. Before joining CSIRO, Ms Gough held global HR leadership roles at Swinburne University of Technology, RMIT University, Leica Group, and most recently, Austin Health. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a psychologist, and holds post graduate qualifications in human resources and psychology. Ms Gough also serves as a non-executive Director on the Board of Mental Health First Aid International.

Dr Taylor oversees the Future Industries Sector at CSIRO which delivers a portfolio of high impact research and innovation supporting continued growth and sustainability of Australian industries. Dr Taylor has a scientific track record in genomics and data science, training in medical genetics, genomics, statistics and bioinformatics. She moved into agricultural genomics when joining CSIRO in 2008 and has maintained an active research interest in the utilisation of data science methods across agriculture including the delivery of new technologies for crop genetic improvement, provenance of food and biosecurity. Prior to leading Future Industries, Dr Taylor held several leadership roles in the Agriculture and Food Research Unit including Science Director and Director, overseeing areas such as resilient food and fibre farming, trusted supply chains and improved footprint for agrifood industries.

• +61 2 6242 1660
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