13 October 2023
Media Release: SIAA announces leadership transition
The Board of SIAA will commence an executive search for the association’s next leader after CEO James Brown announced his intention to complete his tenure after 3 years.
James Brown has decided to compete for selection as a Senator for NSW in the Parliament of Australia, and accordingly will resign as CEO of SIAA to focus on that opportunity.
James Brown was appointed as the inaugural CEO of SIAA in 2020 with the task of professionalising and growing our then all-volunteer association. During his tenure James grew our membership to represent more than 70 companies across Australia, built SIAA’s team, increased revenues, and professionalised the association’s governance and business systems. James has successfully put Australia’s space industry and SIAA on the map, both nationally and internationally, working across industry, government, defence, and academia to promote the growth of Australia’s emerging space sector. He has been a tireless and trusted advocate for our industry. His signature achievement, bringing the largest global space conference – the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) – to Sydney in 2025 will reap dividends for our community and showcase the benefits of space to Australia.
“I have accepted James’ resignation so he can focus on pursuing his long-held ambition to participate in Federal politics – a pursuit I wish him every success in.” said SIAA Chairman Jeremy Hallett. “James leaves with the gratitude of the Board and our industry for his leadership of SIAA over the past three years. James has been the go-to for our members, government stakeholders, international partners and the media on Space in Australia and his knowledge and insights will be missed.”
The SIAA Board has determined that SIAA Chairman Jeremy Hallett will assume additional responsibilities for the company during this period of leadership transition with the assistance of SIAA Director (and immediate past Chairman) Tim Parsons.
Additionally, the Board is delighted to announce the appointment of Lisa Vitaris to the position of Director of the International Astronautical Congress Sydney 2025. Lisa was most recently Chief Marketing Officer of ASX-listed telco amaysim and is an experienced marketing and sales leader with expertise in branding across several industries. Lisa has served on the board of Engineers Australia since 2021. Lisa is a valuable addition to SIAA’s team and will have responsibility for shaping the success of IAC 2025. Lisa will commence in the position on Monday 16th October and will be part of Southern Space in Canberra next week.
Jeremy Hallett
Chairman
Space Industry Association of Australia
operations@spaceindustry.com.au
+ 61 476 358 611
The Space Industry Association of Australia is the peak body for the space industry in Australia. SIAA and its member companies work closely with Australian governments, international partners, academia, defence, and industry to advance Australia’s space industry and economy. SIAA is the proud host of the 2025 Sydney International Astronautical Congress, which will bring the world’s largest space conference and event to Australia.
The Space Industry of Australia (SIAA)
The Space Industry of Australia is the national peak body for the space industry in Australia,
representing more than 600 members. Formed in 1992, SIAA hosted the 2017 International Astronautical
Congress in Adelaide which led to the establishment of the Australian Space Agency in 2018. SIAA and
its member companies work closely with Australian governments, international partners, academia, and
industry to advance Australia’s space industry and economy.
