Josh Griggs has been appointed as the permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Australian Computer Society (ACS), following a six-month tenure in an interim capacity. His appointment is set to take effect from 1 July. This decision comes after the retirement of the organisation’s previous CEO, Chris Vein.

Helen McHugh, President of the ACS, expressed confidence in Griggs’ ability to lead the organisation forward. McHugh stated, “Josh has impressed the Management Committee with his focus on realigning ACS to deliver value to members and build on the organisation’s position as the voice of Australia’s ICT professionals.” She further added, “Since stepping into the role following the retirement of previous CEO Chris Vein, Josh has maintained the momentum around ACS transformation while reviewing our activities and priorities. I’m looking forward to working with Josh in coming years as we enter an exciting period for Australia’s ICT profession.”

Josh Griggs shared his enthusiasm about his appointment and his vision for the future. “I’m incredibly proud to be joining ACS as its new CEO,” Griggs said. He outlined his dedication to supporting Australia’s tech professionals and highlighted key areas of focus. “The ACS team and I are passionate about supporting Australia’s tech professionals throughout their career and I look forward to working closely with the government and the tech industry to address the big issues of our time: AI, skills, and cyber security,” he noted.

Griggs initially joined ACS in December 2023. His career spans various high-level positions in the IT and telecommunications industry, both in Australia and globally. Before his interim role at ACS, Griggs served as a CEO, Managing Director, and Vice-President at organisations including Optus Business, Alphawest, and Metronode, a data centre operator.

Through his tenure, Griggs has been focusing on driving the ACS’s strategic realignment, aimed at enhancing its value proposition to its members and ensuring the organisation remains a prominent voice within the ICT community. His agenda reflects the ACS’s mission to support and advocate for technology professionals in Australia as they navigate an evolving digital landscape marked by rapid technological advancements and emerging challenges.

As the ACS looks ahead, its focus on critical issues such as artificial intelligence, skill development, and cyber security aligns with the broader goals of fostering innovation and enabling a skilled workforce that can meet the demands of a technologically-driven future. The organisation believes that Griggs’ leadership will be instrumental in navigating these challenges and opportunities.

The ACS represents over 47,000 technology professionals across various sectors, including industry, education, government, and community services. The organisation has played a pivotal role in supporting and advancing the interests of Australia’s technology sector by promoting ethical practices and responsible conduct among IT professionals. Through its wide-ranging initiatives, the ACS aims to ensure that technology professionals are well-equipped to deliver digital services that are vital for the nation’s growth and the creation of high-skilled jobs.

With a history spanning more than fifty years, the ACS continues to be a key player in fostering a robust tech ecosystem in Australia. It supports technological innovation through various programs, including innovation labs and education initiatives, while also advocating for policies that benefit the tech community.