Ms Kirsten Rose

Kirsten is a leader and advocate for the power of innovation and technology to solve real-world challenges and create economic prosperity for Australia. As CSIRO’s Deputy Chief Executive, she works closely with the Chief Executive and CSIRO Board to lead the strategic direction of the organisation. She also oversees a portfolio of enterprise functions, including strategy, engagement and collaboration, and is co-chair of CSIRO’s Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Council.

From 2019 to May 2024 Kirsten held the position of Executive Director, Future Industries, leading the Agriculture & Food, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Health & Biosecurity, Manufacturing and Science Connect Business Units. She was also responsible for the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP), a critical piece of national research infrastructure.

Kirsten leads innovation outcomes by working at the nexus of industry, government, and research. She has held senior technical and innovation roles 30 years in the US, UK and Australia, and her career includes deep experience in climate change, energy and resources technologies. Prior to joining CSIRO, she was a Head of Innovation, Sustainable Operations at BHP, where she had global responsibility for bringing together science, technology, and people to drive material improvements in sustainability-related challenges.

Kirsten is widely recognised as a community leader and champion of innovation, technology, and gender diversity. Her commitment to excellence in a range of areas is highlighted by her appointment as a Director on the Pilbara Ports Board in December 2023, in addition to being an Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering (ATSE) fellow, and an active member of Chief Executive Women (CEW). She also brings a strong governance skillset from her executive role at the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).