Geoscience Australia Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Geoscience Australia has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, and financial management.

Committed to advancing national geological knowledge, Geoscience Australia delivers critical insights through advanced satellite data and resource mapping to ensure a resilient and prosperous future for the entire nation.

Leadership Roles at Geoscience Australia

  • Chief Executive Officer - Melissa Harris
  • Chief Financial Officer - Darren Hooper
  • Chief Information Officer - Simon Edmondson
  • Chief Finance Officer - Michael Olive
  • Melissa Harris - Chief Executive Officer

    Melissa Harris, the Chief Executive Officer at Geoscience Australia, directs the overarching strategic vision for the nation's premier public sector geoscience organization. Harris oversees the integration of complex scientific research with federal policy requirements to enhance the understanding of the Australian continent. By aligning organizational goals with sustainable development objectives, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that scientific outputs directly support national prosperity. This leadership role involves constant engagement with government stakeholders to prioritize earthquake monitoring and resource mapping initiatives. Melissa Harris maintains a focus on fostering innovation across all scientific departments to maintain high-authority standards in geological data. Through the management of large-scale research programs, the Chief Executive Officer drives the organization toward achieving long-term resilience goals. Ultimately, Harris secures the operational integrity of the agency while promoting the practical application of geoscience across diverse sectors.

    Darren Hooper - Chief Financial Officer

    Darren Hooper, the Chief Financial Officer at Geoscience Australia, manages the fiscal health and budgetary allocations for the organization's extensive scientific research programs. Hooper oversees the financial planning required to sustain long-term projects, including natural resource mapping and national infrastructure monitoring. By ensuring rigorous compliance with federal financial standards, the Chief Financial Officer supports the efficient distribution of resources across all operational departments. This leadership role involves analyzing expenditure patterns to maximize the impact of public funding on geological innovation. Darren Hooper drives the development of financial strategies that align with the agency's broader mission of fostering a resilient future. Through the careful oversight of capital investments, the Chief Financial Officer enables the continued advancement of geoscience capabilities. Ultimately, Hooper secures the fiscal stability necessary for the organization to provide trusted insights on the nation's geology and geography.

    Simon Edmondson - Chief Information Officer

    Simon Edmondson, the Chief Information Officer at Geoscience Australia, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for processing vast quantities of satellite data and geological information. Edmondson manages the technological frameworks that support national earthquake monitoring systems and comprehensive mapping services. By implementing robust data management protocols, the Chief Information Officer ensures that scientific insights remain accessible and secure for public sector use. This role involves coordinating with technical teams to modernize computational capabilities, thereby increasing the efficiency of Earth observation projects. Simon Edmondson drives the digital transformation agenda to support the organization's mission of providing trusted geographic data. Through the optimization of information systems, the Chief Information Officer facilitates seamless collaboration between research units and external stakeholders. Ultimately, Edmondson maintains the technological backbone required for the agency to deliver high-impact scientific products across the Australian landscape.

    Michael Olive - Chief Finance Officer

    Michael Olive, the Chief Finance Officer at Geoscience Australia, directs the internal accounting operations and financial reporting processes essential for organizational transparency. Olive monitors the daily cash flow and procurement activities that support the agency's diverse scientific services. By refining internal audit procedures, the Chief Finance Officer ensures that all financial transactions adhere to strict government regulations. This role involves providing detailed economic analysis to support the executive team in making informed decisions regarding resource allocation for satellite data products. Michael Olive drives the implementation of automated financial systems to improve the accuracy of budgetary tracking across various research divisions. Through the management of financial risk, the Chief Finance Officer protects the agency's assets while facilitating the pursuit of sustainable development goals. Ultimately, Olive maintains the financial rigor required to support the organization's commitment to providing trusted geological insights.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Geoscience Australia Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Geoscience Australia?
    Geoscience Australia is led by Melissa Harris (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Darren Hooper (Chief Financial Officer) and Simon Edmondson (Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of Geoscience Australia’s executive team?
    The executive team of Geoscience Australia includes leaders such as Melissa Harris (Chief Executive Officer), Darren Hooper (Chief Financial Officer), Simon Edmondson (Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Geoscience Australia have?
    Geoscience Australia has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Geoscience Australia’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Geoscience Australia includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Finance Officer.