Chairman of the Australian Information Industry Association, John Grant today announced the permanent appointment of two senior positions within the Association: Ian Birks as Chief Executive Officer, and Bridget Larsen as General Manager, Policy and Government Relations.

‘Mr Birks and Ms Larsen bring extensive industry experience and excellent records to their roles - I am very pleased to be making these announcements and I am confident that the ICT industry can continue to expect powerful representation and policy outcomes following these appointments,’ Mr Grant said.

Ian Birks was appointed as the Interim Chief Executive Officer in April of this year. Prior to this appointment Mr Birks had served as a National Board Member of the AIIA for three years, during which time he was particularly active in industry workforce and skills issues.

Mr Birks has over 25 years of ICT industry experience, working for both local SMEs and large multi-nationals. Most recently, Mr Birks worked at IT research and advisory firm Ideas International Limited, helping to build the company from its initial product launch through to its ASX listing and heading the listed company as CEO for five years.  He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Bridget Larsen has over ten years of legal and policy experience in the ICT industry and returns to the AIIA as General Manager of Government Relations, having previously worked for seven years as AIIA Policy Manager.

Ms Larsen, a former attorney for IBM Global Services, brings an excellent record of achieving high-level ICT policy outcomes in areas that include intellectual property, liability, privacy and security, and related e-commerce issues. She is highly regarded by her peers in the AIIA membership.

Mr Birks said that AIIA has a strong vision for the ICT industry. ‘We are working to ensure a future where a thriving, sustainable and influential information industry is recognised as underpinning opportunity for Australians and the Australian economy,’ said Mr Birks.

‘AIIA will be pursuing some very clear policy outcomes to achieve that vision – it is essential that the contribution made by our industry is recognised and supported at all levels of government.’

ICT has a transformational effect on the economy and society; it contributes 4.6% of GDP and is now identified as driving productivity across much of Australian industry. Over the last decade 85% of productivity growth in the manufacturing sector is attributed to ICT.

‘AIIA has a newly invigorated strategic future,’ John Grant concluded. ‘We have a clear mission on behalf of the ICT industry, and a renewed focus on policy outcomes and delivering value to our members that is being driven by a new CEO with extensive industry background and a strong management support team.’