Executive Team

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

Dr Hilton is a molecular and cellular biologist and previously Director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI). At WEHI, his medical research focussed on understanding how blood cells communicate and using this knowledge to improve disease treatments. He and his team held more than 20 patents and translated their research through collaboration with venture capitalists and the biopharmaceutical industry. Through an honorary appointment in the Zoology Department at University of Melbourne, he also studies a family of tiny day-flying moths involved in the pollination of Australian plants.

Beyond research, Dr Hilton has emphasised the importance of strong institutional cultures, and furthered diversity in science including as a member of the Champion of Change Coalition and a board member of Australians Investing in Women.

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As Deputy Chief Executive, Elanor Huntington works closely with the Chief Executive and CSIRO Board on the strategic direction of the organisation. She leads a portfolio of enterprise functions, including strategy, engagement and collaboration for CSIRO. She joined CSIRO in November 2021 as Executive Director, Digital, National Facilities and Collections, where she led the organisation’s data-focused research, development, and digital capability, and was responsible for major national research infrastructure, including the Pawsey Supercomputing Centre, the Marine National Facility, and the Australia Telescope National Facility. Prior to joining CSIRO, Professor Huntington was Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science at the Australian National University, where she drove significant transformation within the College and across the sector. 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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Tom Munyard was appointed as Chief Operating Officer in May 2022 and leads our teams in finance, property, governance, corporate affairs and information management and technology. He is responsible for leading CSIRO's ongoing financial and operational sustainability. Prior to this Tom held the position of Chief Finance Officer from February 2017. Tom 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, Tom was a Senior Executive at the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, leading teams responsible for delivering budget, financial accounting and financial policy matters to the Department. Tom’s career in Federal Government across 20 years includes a variety of financial roles within the Human Services, Climate Change and Border Protection portfolios. Tom is qualified member of CPA Australia and has a degree of Commerce in Accounting from the University of Canberra.

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As Executive Director Environment, Energy and Resources, Dr Peter Mayfield has responsibility for approximately 1400 researchers in Energy, Mineral Resources, and Environment. These researchers provide science and technology solutions that will enhance the value Australia derives from its vast energy and mineral resources while maintaining and enhancing the sustainability of our atmosphere, oceans and continent.

• +61 2 4960 6045
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Dr Rob Hough is a member of CSIRO’s Executive with responsibility for Digital and National Facilities & Collections. Leading CSIRO’s data-focused research, development, and digital capability. He also heads up major national research infrastructure including the Pawsey Supercomputing Centre, the Marine National Facility, and the Australia Telescope National Facility. In addition, Dr Hough is leading a whole of CSIRO approach to research portfolio design and management, with a focus on investment and performance. As an established senior leader, Dr Hough is also serving 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, he was appointed Director of CSIRO Mineral Resources in 2021, where he led work with industry to grow Australia’s resource base, improve productivity, and advance environmental performance. Rob has over 25 years’ experience in applied research and research leadership. A geoscientist, with a BSc from the University of London and a PhD from the Open University (UK), he 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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Marcia Gough was appointed Chief People Officer in April 2024, and oversees CSIRO’s full suite of human resources, health, safety and environment, and change management programs. With over 30 years of experience in human resources and culture leadership, Marcia has worked across a number of sectors, including, health, education, manufacturing, consulting, telecommunications and high technology. Before joining CSIRO, Marcia held global HR leadership roles at Swinburne University of Technology, RMIT University, the Leica Group, and most recently, Austin Health. Marcia is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Psychologist, and holds post graduate qualifications in Human Resources and Psychology. Marcia also serves as a non-executive Director on the Board of Mental Health First Aid International.

The Future Industries Sector delivers a portfolio of high impact research and innovation that supports continued growth and sustainability of Australian industries to secure a prosperous, healthy and resilient future for our people, environment, and region. We work with diverse partners to deliver industry innovation that spans scale (start ups, SMEs and national enterprises) and has a national footprint (regional communities and industry centres). Research and research translation achievements help to ensure that agricultural, health and emerging manufacturing sectors are well positioned to compete globally and deliver socioeconomic benefits locally.

• +61 2 6242 1660
• Email Dr Jen Taylor