ACS appoints new CEO
The Australian Computer Society (ACS) has again filled its CEO position after former CEO Kim Denham was sacked in May this year.
Bruce Lakin
(Credit: Australian Computer Society)
Appointee Bruce Lakin has previously held the position of senior director Symantec Asia Pacific and Japan and has also been the managing director of VERITAS Software and general manager of Toshiba.
"Bruce is a leading ICT professional whose substantial industry experience and knowledge will make him an outstanding ambassador for the society and the profession. He has a strong background at a senior management level in running large IT organisations and possesses an excellent understanding of the challenges and opportunities that impact its Australian ICT professionals," ACS chairman Kumar Parakala said in a statement.
Parakala pointed out that Lakin had done a bevy of community service, being the assistant governor of a Rotary District and president of Pittwater Rotary Club. "His commitment to the community is commendable and is another reason why he was a stand-out candidate for the position," he said.
Lakin was pleased to take on the role, saying that the ACS was a strong voice for the profession. "My initial areas of focus will include public issues such as the National Broadband Network, Australia's Digital Economy, ICT skills development and careers, Green ICT and e-Security," he said.
AIIA chairman John Grant also welcomed the appointment. "Bruce is well known to many of our members," he said.
The former ACS CEO, Kim Denham, is in the midst of a court case against the Australian Computer Society. Denham alleges that she was entitled to more money than she received on termination and also says that the ACS had agreed to give her employment for at least three years to make it worthwhile to relocate. She was only with the society for around a year.
Sam Burrell, who had taken up the CEO mantle in acting capacity after Denham's departure, will return to his former position as ACS general manager Finance and Business Services.