The Board of Natural Hazards Research Australia has received notice from Dr Richard Thornton that he intends to step down as CEO once the initial establishment phase of the Centre has been completed.
Dr Thornton has given an extraordinary contribution to the sector over almost 20 years. He was appointed to the original Bushfire CRC as its Research Director and, following the success of that centre, he was appointed as CEO to establish and lead the new Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC in 2013.
Through that period, the two CRCs have contributed a wealth of valuable knowledge, tools and new approaches to the management of, and response to, natural hazards. Over the course of the last 20 years the outcomes of the CRCs have saved lives, homes, businesses and communities.
In 2021 the new centre, Natural Hazards Research Australia, was established with substantial funding from the Commonwealth and States as well as other stakeholders. Richard has decided that it is time for another to pick up the reins and lead the new Centre now that it has been successfully established.
The Board wishes to thank Richard for his leadership over many years and his legacy in developing a globally recognised capability of research in natural hazards mitigation, response and recovery.
A search for his replacement will commence immediately though Richard will continue to lead the Centre in the meantime.
On behalf of the Board, and especially for myself, I want to thank Richard for his commitment to the Centre, to excellence and impact in research and to his leadership within the sector.
Dr Katherine Woodthorpe AO
Chair
On behalf of the Board of Natural Hazards Research Australia