ACS appoints new chief executive

THE Australian Computer Society has appointed West Australian technology professional Kim Denham as its new national chief executive, replacing the long-serving chief Dennis Furini.

Ms Denham has more than 20 years experience in the ICT industry in roles across both government and the private sector.

ACS national president Kumar Parakala said Ms Denham had been “an outstanding ICT ambassador,” particularly for women in the ICT sector.

“She has a passion for the industry, and her insight into the pressing issues affecting ICT such as careers, globalisation and professionalism is impressive,” Mr Parakala said.

“Kim is an energetic and talented ICT professional with experience working within a broad range of industry and stakeholder groups,” he said.

Ms Denham, who is the first female CEO of the society, said her focus would be on the growth of both the ACS and the broader technology industry.

“We can be extremely competitive on the world’s stage, but greater recognition and collaboration from the business community and the Government is what’s required to allow our sector to flourish,” she said.

Ms Denham has more than 20 years experience in ICT, including management roles with Ericsson Australia, West Australian Newspapers, Tourism Western Australia and CSBP Limited. She was a finalist in the 2006 Telstra Business Women’s Awards in WA and has worked on various boards, panels and steering committees, including the ACS WA Branch.

Ms Denham takes over from acting-CEO Sam Burrell, who stepped up from the role of general manager when Mr Furini left the organisation after eight years at the helm in the middle of last year. Mr Burrell remains in the role of general manager.

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ACS elects Parakala as new President

THE Australian Computer Society has elected the chairman of its NSW branch – Kumar Parakala – as National President for 2008-09 to replace its outgoing president Philip Argy.

Mr Parakala, who is chief operating officer of KPMG’s Global IT Advisory Practice, said he would continue the society’s campaigning on issues like skills, higher education and industry collaboration. He would also focus on Green issues, he said.

Mr Parakala was elected by the society’s peak decision-making body, the ACS Council, at a meeting last week.

“I will also focus on promoting the relevance of ICT to business professionals. This includes understanding the ubiquitous nature of ICT and highlighting ICT’s changing and enabling role across all professions,” Mr Parakala said.

“As ACS National President, I intend to drive relevant national ICT strategic matters that are critical to ICT professionals such as skills gap, ICT higher education, green issues, industry collaboration and accreditation,” he said.

Current ACS President, Philip Argy, welcomed the result and congratulated Kumar Parakala on his election.

“It’s an exciting time for our industry – ICT is now firmly positioned on Australia’s political agenda and is recognised as key driver of the nation’s economic prosperity.” Mr Argy said.

“I am delighted to announce the new ACS President and I am confident that the ACS will enjoy continued growth under his presidency and that ICT industry will continue to prosper.”

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