30 January 2006
Government appoints Mr Chris Chapman as first ACMA Chairman
I intend to recommend to the Governor-General that Mr Chris Chapman be appointed as the inaugural Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for a period of five years, the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, announced today.
“I am delighted that Mr Chapman has agreed to join ACMA as its first Chairman and its CEO,” Senator Coonan said.
“He has relevant and diverse skills in broadcasting and telecommunications, as well as extensive legal, financial and management expertise. His significant experience will assist ACMA as it faces many challenges in the next few years from the rapid technological changes taking place in television, radio and other forms of the media.
“The Government undertook a careful and exhaustive selection process for this position, and received expressions of interest from a number of highly skilled people. ACMA’s role in regulating the media and communications industry, which are a central part of the Australian economy and society, is vitally important.
“I am pleased that Mr Chapman has accepted the position of ACMA Chairman and CEO and am confident he is well suited to head up ACMA over the next five years.”
Mr Chapman will leave his position as the Chief Operating Officer of specialist funds management activities at Babcock & Brown Limited next month and commence with ACMA on 27th February, 2006.
“To be appointed ACMA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is a unique opportunity at a particularly interesting time for an already dynamic communications sector,” Mr Chapman said.
“ACMA has been designed to be, and has itself adopted the challenge of being, an innovative regulator so as to successfully meet ever-changing industry and community needs.
“I'm delighted to be joining an organisation that has already established an impressive platform in a very short period of time. I'm also obviously pleased that the Minister saw the depth and variety of my broadcasting, on-line and telecommunication experiences as a key attraction.”
The Minister paid tribute to the current Acting Chairman, Lyn Maddock, who will return to her role as Deputy Chairman when Mr Chapman assumes his position.
“Ms Maddock has been the Acting Chairman since ACMA’s inception and her energy and commitment to the Authority has been greatly appreciated during the transition,” Senator Coonan said.
Mr Chapman’s CV is attached and a photo is available on request.
CURRICULUM VITAE
Name: Christopher John Chapman
Present position: Chief Operating Officer, Specialist Funds Management Activities, Babcock and Brown Limited
Educational and
professional
qualifications: Bachelor of Laws, University of NSW
Bachelor of Commerce, University of NSW
Relevant experience: August 2005 – present: Chief Operating Officer, Specialist Funds Management Activities, Babcock and Brown Limited
October 2003: – July 2005: Managing Director and Chief Executive, Babcock & Brown Infrastructure (formerly Prime Infrastructure Management Limited)
August 2002 – October 2003: Chief Executive, Prime Infrastructure Management Limited
Jan 2000 – Sept 2001: Chief Executive Officer, Optus Ltd joint venture – Excite@Home Australia Pty Limited
July 1996 – Jan 2000: Chief Executive Officer, Stadium Australia Management Limited
1996-1998 – Chairman, Film Australia Limited
1994-1995 – Director, National Film and Sound Archive
1984 – 1996: Various positions within Seven Network Ltd including Deputy Managing Director ATN Channel 7; Managing Director ATN Channel 7; Chairman, SportsVision Australia; Chief Operating Officer and Acting CEO Seven Network
1980 – 1984: Solicitor, Mallesons Stephen Jaques
1978 – 1980: Associate to Sir Garfield Barwick, Chief Justice, High Court of Australia