ACS gives interim CEO Josh Griggs the gig

After stepping into the breach as interim CEO of IT professional association ACS following the sudden departure of Chris Vein during the Christmas break, Josh Griggs is taking the helm officially to start the new financial year.

Griggs has been appointed CEO from July 1 after serving six months in an interim capacity.

He comes to ACS, which has startup labs across Australia after a long executive career in the IT and telecommunications industry here and internationally at organisations including Optus Business, Alphawest, and data centre operator Metronode.

After a global search to replace Vein, a former White House tech guru who was in the role for 18 months, ACS President Helen McHugh said they found the answer closer to home.

“Josh has impressed the Management Committee with his focus on realigning ACS to deliver value to members and build on the organisation’s position as the voice of Australia’s ICT professionals,” she said.

“Since stepping into the role following the retirement of previous CEO Chris Vein, Josh has maintained the momentum around ACS’ transformation while reviewing our activities and priorities. I’m looking forward to working with Josh in coming years as we enter an exciting period for Australia’s ICT profession.”

Griggs, who has experience in dealing with government relations, said he was proud to be joining ACS on a more permanent basis.

“The ACS team and I are passionate about supporting Australia’s tech professionals throughout their career and I look forward to working closely with the government and the tech industry to address the big issues of our time: AI, skills, and cyber security,” he said.