CSIRO Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

CSIRO has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, legal, people, technology, and program direction.

Driven by innovative science and technology, CSIRO solves Australia's greatest challenges, unlocking a better future for its community, economy, and planet through collaborative research that turns science into tangible solutions.

Leadership Roles at CSIRO

  • Chief Executive Officer - Douglas Hilton
  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Elanor Huntington
  • Chief Financial Officer - Stewart Walters
  • Chief Operating Officer - Tom Munyard
  • Chief Operating Officer SKA Program Director, CSIRO, Space and Astronomy - Kate Callaghan
  • Chief of Staff - Crystal Ladiges
  • Head Chief Technology Officer, Scientific Computing - Angus Macoustra
  • Chief Legal Officer - Catriona Dove
  • Chief People Officer - Marcia Gough
  • Douglas Hilton - Chief Executive Officer

    Douglas Hilton, the Chief Executive Officer at CSIRO, directs the national science agency and innovation catalyst. Hilton architects the overarching strategy to address Australia's greatest challenges, focusing on food security, clean energy, health, resilient environments, innovative industries, and regional security. Overseeing the integration of scientific research with technological application, Hilton ensures CSIRO's work translates into impactful solutions for the community and economy. This leadership role involves guiding the organization's mission to unlock a better future through scientific discovery and innovation. The Chief Executive Officer's strategic vision drives CSIRO's commitment to collaborative research and its pivotal role in national development. Douglas Hilton's executive direction ensures the agency's continued impact across critical sectors.

    Elanor Huntington - Deputy Chief Executive Officer

    Elanor Huntington, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at CSIRO, supports the Chief Executive Officer in executing the agency's strategic objectives. Huntington focuses on enhancing CSIRO's innovation catalyst role, ensuring scientific research effectively addresses national challenges. This involves fostering collaboration across diverse research areas, including food security, clean energy, health and wellbeing, and environmental resilience. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer plays a crucial part in translating scientific breakthroughs into practical solutions that benefit the Australian community and economy. Elanor Huntington's leadership ensures operational excellence and the effective deployment of resources to achieve CSIRO's mission. This executive function drives the organization's commitment to scientific advancement and its impact on a secure Australia and region.

    Stewart Walters - Chief Financial Officer

    Stewart Walters, the Chief Financial Officer at CSIRO, directs the financial strategy and management of the organization. Walters ensures robust financial planning, budgeting, and reporting to support CSIRO's mission of innovative science and technology. This executive function is vital for maintaining the financial health and sustainability of the national science agency, enabling its work on critical challenges like clean energy and health. The Chief Financial Officer oversees investment in research and development, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to drive solutions for the community and economy. Stewart Walters' financial stewardship underpins CSIRO's capacity to deliver impactful outcomes and maintain its role as an innovation catalyst. This leadership ensures fiscal responsibility across all operational areas.

    Tom Munyard - Chief Operating Officer

    Tom Munyard, the Chief Operating Officer at CSIRO, manages the day-to-day operational functions of the national science agency. Munyard oversees the efficient allocation of resources and the implementation of strategic initiatives across various departments. This role is critical for ensuring that CSIRO's research and development activities are conducted with maximum effectiveness and productivity. The Chief Operating Officer drives operational improvements and process optimization to support the agency's mission of solving Australia's greatest challenges. Tom Munyard's oversight ensures seamless integration of scientific endeavors with technological innovation, contributing to a better future for the community and economy. This executive leadership supports the delivery of impactful solutions across food security, clean energy, and health.

    Kate Callaghan - Chief Operating Officer SKA Program Director, CSIRO, Space and Astronomy

    Kate Callaghan, the Chief Operating Officer SKA Program Director, CSIRO, Space and Astronomy at CSIRO, leads critical operational aspects of the Square Kilometre Array program and the Space and Astronomy division. Callaghan directs the complex logistical and resource management required for these advanced scientific endeavors. This dual executive role ensures the efficient execution of cutting-edge research in astronomy and space science, contributing to CSIRO's broader mission of solving national challenges. The Chief Operating Officer SKA Program Director oversees the integration of technological advancements and scientific discovery within these specialized fields. Kate Callaghan's leadership drives innovation and operational excellence, supporting CSIRO's role in scientific advancement and its impact on Australia's technological future. This function is key to delivering major scientific infrastructure.

    Crystal Ladiges - Chief of Staff

    Crystal Ladiges, the Chief of Staff at CSIRO, provides strategic support and coordination across the executive leadership team. Ladiges facilitates the execution of CSIRO's mission by aligning departmental efforts and ensuring efficient communication channels. This role is integral to translating the agency's vision into actionable plans that address Australia's greatest challenges, from food security to resilient environments. The Chief of Staff manages key projects and initiatives, ensuring progress towards organizational goals and fostering a collaborative research environment. Crystal Ladiges's executive function enhances the agency's ability to innovate and deliver solutions that benefit the community and economy. This leadership ensures strategic priorities are effectively managed and implemented.

    Angus Macoustra - Head Chief Technology Officer, Scientific Computing

    Angus Macoustra, the Head Chief Technology Officer, Scientific Computing at CSIRO, spearheads the technological infrastructure and computational capabilities supporting scientific research. Macoustra drives the development and implementation of advanced computing solutions essential for tackling complex scientific challenges, including those in clean energy and health. This executive role ensures CSIRO possesses the state-of-the-art technology required for data-intensive research and innovation. The Head Chief Technology Officer, Scientific Computing oversees the integration of computational science with experimental research, accelerating discovery and solution development. Angus Macoustra's leadership enhances CSIRO's capacity to leverage technology for national benefit, supporting its mission to unlock a better future through science. This function is critical for enabling large-scale scientific modeling and analysis.
    Catriona Dove, the Chief Legal Officer at CSIRO, provides expert legal counsel and oversees all legal affairs for the national science agency. Dove ensures compliance with regulatory frameworks and manages legal risks associated with CSIRO's extensive research and innovation activities. This executive function is vital for safeguarding the organization's interests as it addresses challenges in areas like food security and intellectual property. The Chief Legal Officer advises on contracts, intellectual property, and governance, supporting the agency's mission to translate science into solutions. Catriona Dove's legal leadership ensures that CSIRO operates with integrity and within all applicable laws, facilitating its work for the community and economy. This role is fundamental to maintaining trust and operational integrity.

    Marcia Gough - Chief People Officer

    Marcia Gough, the Chief People Officer at CSIRO, leads human resources strategy and talent management for the national science agency. Gough focuses on cultivating a high-performing culture that supports CSIRO's mission of innovative science and technology. This executive role is crucial for attracting, developing, and retaining the skilled workforce needed to address Australia's greatest challenges, from resilient environments to innovative industries. The Chief People Officer oversees employee engagement, organizational development, and diversity initiatives, ensuring a supportive and dynamic work environment. Marcia Gough's leadership in people management enhances CSIRO's capacity to deliver impactful solutions and foster a collaborative spirit among its researchers and staff. This function is key to organizational success and employee well-being.
    Marcia Gough

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CSIRO Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads CSIRO?
    CSIRO is led by Douglas Hilton (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Elanor Huntington (Deputy Chief Executive Officer) and Stewart Walters (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of CSIRO’s executive team?
    The executive team of CSIRO includes leaders such as Douglas Hilton (Chief Executive Officer), Elanor Huntington (Deputy Chief Executive Officer), Stewart Walters (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does CSIRO have?
    CSIRO has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in CSIRO’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of CSIRO includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer SKA Program Director, CSIRO, Space and Astronomy.