The Chair of ANSTO, The Hon Dr Annabelle Bennett, AC SC, announced today that Mr Shaun Jenkinson has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of ANSTO following a global search for the position.
ANSTO is the home of Australia’s most significant landmark and national infrastructure for research, including the OPAL nuclear reactor in Sydney’s Lucas Heights, and the Australian Synchrotron in Clayton, Melbourne. Thousands of scientists from industry and academia benefit from access to ANSTO’s state-of-the-art instruments every year.
Dr Bennett said that the global search identified a number of exceptional candidates and that Mr Jenkinson was chosen following a rigorous selection process. “Shaun has the right mix of skills and experience, as well as the values, to ensure that ANSTO is able to continue to deliver on its key mandates, which are so important to Australia as we recover and grow post COVID-19.”
Mr Jenkinson has been acting in the role since September 2020.
Shaun has over 30 years experience across the pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and medical devices industries and, more recently, at ANSTO where he is focussed on applying science to assist industry and government.
Prior to joining ANSTO, Shaun held senior leadership positions with large global companies, both in the UK and Australia, delivering top and bottom-line growth across a range of products in different market segments.
His values underpin a belief that people drive success and organisations through their leaders, who must create a safe environment where inclusive behaviour is embedded, and everyone is heard and valued for their contribution.
Shaun has whole-of-business experience and is passionate about driving excellence through business integration, process redesign and implementing quality management within organisations. The output is to deliver against agreed strategic goals.
Shaun joined ANSTO in March 2010, working with the team in ANSTO Health to ensure a reliable supply of radioisotopes to the domestic market as well as delivering export sales growth.
As Group Executive Nuclear Business, his responsibilities covered all commercial operations including ANSTO Health, ANSTO Minerals, ANSTO Silicon, Mo-99 Operations, ANSTO Radiation Services, Business Development and international business partnerships.
Shaun has a degree in Biotechnology and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
“This is an important time for ANSTO, to ensure continued sustainability and delivery of nuclear medicines and other products and services that make major contributions to the Australian community. Shaun is the right person to guide ANSTO at this time,” Dr Bennett said.
Mr Jenkinson said “It is a huge privilege and a great responsibility to take on this role. I will commit to it with everything I have to create an environment where both the individual and the combined efforts of the talented people at ANSTO are recognised and can flourish.
“ANSTO holds an important position in the research and scientific landscape. The role we play contributes to the current and future health, wellbeing, knowledge, and economic success of Australia.
“Translating great science into outcomes that support Australia’s research priorities is critical to our prosperity, and I know that the team at ANSTO has always, and will always, rise to that challenge.
“The last 12 months have been played out against the background of a global pandemic, and ANSTO responded well to that challenge.
“We now recognise we are operating in a significantly different environment, an environment that will require science and engineering and important organisations like ANSTO to continue to deliver solutions to the challenges Australia faces.
“We have a refreshed organisational strategy, and the plans to deliver on that strategy are being rolled out.
“Our success will be determined by our ability to implement these plans. It is essential that we measure our progress and constantly challenge our performance so that we can adjust our plans as required.
“I look forward to working with everyone as we progress towards our goals. Your feedback is always welcome and the contribution of everyone at ANSTO is always appreciated.”
Mr Jenkinson has been appointed for a three-year term effective 31 March 2021.