Governance

Robotics Australia Group Board of Directors

Dr Sue Keay | Chair Board of Directors

Sue is a recognised leader in robotics, AI and automation who is passionate about helping emerging technology businesses, the companies adopting new technologies and their workforces. Recognised as one of Queensland's most influential people, on SME’s global list of 20 women making their mark in robotics and automation, as an outstanding contributor to the drone and robotics industry and as a Superstar of STEM. Sue is a fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE), a member of the prestigious Kingston AI Group, Founder and Chair of Robotics Australia Group and an Adjunct Professor at QUT. She has an MBA from UQ Business School, PhD in Earth Sciences from ANU and is a Graduate of the AICD.

Nicci Rossouw | CEO

Nicci Rossouw is a board member and CEO of Robotics Australia Group. Prior to that she was the founder and CEO of Exaptec, a start-up company she founded in 2015 to provide service robotics solutions to the Australian market. She has provided numerous robotic telepresence solutions to educational facilities and businesses to augment communication and movement for disabled and incapacitated people.
Nicci was noted as “30 women you need to know about in robotics” in 2020. This is a global recognition and Nicci was one of two women in Australia to be awarded this accolade in 2020.
She hosts the podcast "Let's Talk Robotics with Nicci Rossouw" which has over 165 episodes released to date.

Tim Bradley | Board member

Tim has nearly two decades of experience advising and developing policies relating to the innovation system and high growth sectors having worked in government, diplomatic, consulting and university environments. He is currently a Strategic Advisor with Amazon Web Services where he focusses on initiatives to develop the digital economy. Prior to joining AWS, Tim held a number of senior roles within the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources where he was responsible for policies relating to the development and adoption of technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and quantum computing. From 2018-2020, Tim served as Minister Counsellor for Industry and Science at the Australian Embassy in Washington, DC, and represented the Australian Government throughout the United States and Canada, participating in multilateral forums such as the G20 Digital Economy Taskforce, the OCED and the Global Partnership on AI. Tim has Masters degrees in Economics (Sydney) and Commercial Law (Melbourne), and a Bachelor of Economics (Hons) (ANU).

Brenton Cunningham | Board member

Brenton Cunningham is the co-founder, Managing Director, and driving strategic force behind Adelaide headquartered Diverseco Pty Ltd. Founded in 1992 as Accuweigh Pty Ltd, Diverseco has evolved over the years through a steady program of acquisitions and organic growth to become one of Australia’s leading diversified measurement and automation solution providers. Starting out his professional life as a qualified fitter and machinist, Brenton has taken his technical skills and passion for sales and business development to grow Diverseco into a 50-million-dollar turnover business employing over a hundred and thirty staff in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. During this journey Brenton has completed the AICD company Directors Course in 2002, as well as the AICD Refresh Course in 2019, spent 6 years in Tec membership, completed numerous management and leadership programs, and received the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Most recently Brenton has enjoyed leading Diverseco’s strategic push and go to market strategies across an exciting range of Industrial and Collaborative Robot solutions, including personally signing exclusive distribution deals with leading global brands. Over the years, Brenton has been a long term Sporting Club President, fulfilled board roles at Olympic Fine Foods and The Food Industry Association W.A, represented on CCI Member forums, been a former director and chairman of Mollydooker Wines, a former long term Strata Chairman, former Sage Advisory Board member, and currently in addition to his board duties at Diverseco, is Chairman of Extreme Land Pty Ltd, and Director at MISA (Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance). Currently attending Harvard Business School on the OPM program.

Tamanna Monem | Board member

Tamanna’s experience spans out from driving major initiatives including innovation programs, regional competitiveness, governance and operative models for critical industries. Tamanna developed strategic networks with key stakeholders including national and international governments, industry and academia, and corporate sectors nationally and internationally.
She has led the development and implementation of large-scale commercial, industrial and investment attraction strategies in multiple sectors including health and medtech, AI and technology, manufacturing, defence, marine, agriculture, energy and infrastructure. Tamanna is the founder of SME Growth Centre with an aim to help connect SMEs with knowledge and networks to access global supply chains. Tamanna also founded the Women in Export, Innovation and Investment to help professional migrant women with mentoring and connections to get into workforce. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), studied MBA and Hons in Public Administration.

Dr John Vial | Board member

John Vial is a seasoned expert in robotics and machine learning, dedicated to the practical application of these transformative technologies. As the Project Execution Lead at Nexxis, John is at the forefront of developing advanced legged, magnetic inspection robots. His technical leadership spans across roles, including major AI initiatives at Fortescue Metals Group, where he was integral to the conception of an autonomous light vehicle project among other innovative solutions. John leverages this deep understanding of industrial applications of robotics and AI to help guide RAG to achieve its mission.

Dr. Steve Winnall | Board member

Steve Winnall is an award-winning technology leader who has spent his career bringing breakthrough ideas in robotics, autonomy, and connectivity to life. His work spans an extraordinary range of innovations — from underwater robots that clean ships, to satellites that connect remote areas globally, to bionic hearing technologies that transform lives. He has also led projects in biological robotics for waste processing and self- driving vehicle systems. Earlier in his career, Steve helped pioneer advances in medical lasers, next-generation telecommunications, and Defence technologies.

Suresan Rajandra | Board member

With a strong foundation in Health Economics and Accounting, Suresan is committed to developing innovative systems and processes that support the healthcare workforce and enhance patient care. As the regional head of the Robotics and AI division at Omni-Health, he leads a team dedicated to providing clients with comprehensive solutions, including workflow studies, solution selection advisory, streamlined implementation, system integration, staff training, maintenance, and after-sales support.

Clyde Campbell (AM) | Board member

After more than 40 years in the Industrial Automation and robotics industry
and having built several highly successful businesses, Clyde launched his latest venture, Intelligent Robotics (IR), in 2020 with a vision to create world class innovative technology products. Clyde was also behind the successful business Machinery Automation & Robotics (MAR), which was sold to SCOTT Technologies in 2014. As a testament to their success, MAR won the Telstra Business of the Year award in 2008 and employed 70 staff throughout their Brisbane, Sydney & Melbourne offices.

Taz Snow-Walker | Company secretary

Taz is a mechatronics and robotics engineer with over 10 years experience in the mining industry. This experience involves innovative projects at Sandvik and BHP specialising in R&D, control systems, safety systems, and robotics. Taz's research experience involves using motion tracking and VR to control a robot, identifying plastic bags and non-recyclables in a recycling plant, and using brain waves to control a mobile robot.
Taz is dedicated to volunteering having founded Women in Engineering and Robotics groups, and committee contributions on multiple engineering professional bodies. Taz has been recognised with several awards including Engineers Australia John Renner Medal and a Google Anita Borg Scholarship. Taz has a degree in Mechatronics Engineering, a degree in Computer Science, and a Masters of Engineering in Industrial Automation. Outside of work Taz enjoys playing sports and drums in a band.

Acknowledgement of Our Founding Directors

‍Robotics Australia Group gratefully acknowledges and thanks our founding directors
for their vision and leadership in establishing the peak body for robotics in Australia.
Their commitment has been instrumental in laying the foundations for a strong,
connected, and innovative national robotics ecosystem.

○ Dr Sue Keay
(2020 - Current)

‍○ Dr Nathan Kirchner
(2020 - 2025)

○ Lauren Stafford
(2020-2023)
‍‍
○ Adrian Beer
(2020-2023)

○ Dr Joseph Cronin
(2020-2021)

○ Paul Lucey
(2020-2021)

○ Katherine van Vugt
(Company Secretary 2020-2024)‍

Governance

Robotics Australia Group Board of Directors

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