The Australian Government has appointed Dr Stuart Minchin as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), marking the beginning of a new era for Australia’s national weather, climate and water agency.
Dr Minchin brings more than 25 years of scientific and executive leadership to the role. He joins the Bureau from his most recent position as Director-General of the Pacific Community, where he led science and technology for development programs across 27 Pacific nations and territories.
Previously, he served as Chief of the Environmental Geoscience Division at Geoscience Australia, leading national initiatives in earth observation, environmental monitoring, and geospatial data. He has also held senior roles with CSIRO and the Victorian Government, connecting applied science with policy to support environmental management and water security.
Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said Dr Minchin would be a valuable addition to the Bureau.
“Dr Minchin’s reputation as a respected, experienced and dedicated leader in environmental data management uniquely positions him to lead an agency as important as the Bureau,” Minister Watt said. “I look forward to working with him to ensure the Bureau continues to adapt and respond to the needs of Australians for accurate and timely weather, water, climate and ocean services and information.”
A global authority in digital earth observation and environmental data, Dr Minchin has represented Australia as Principal Delegate to the UN Global Geospatial Information Management Group of Experts (UN-GGIM) and the Intergovernmental Group on Earth Observations (GEO). He also contributed to marine science programs, leading the ocean floor mapping team that supported the search for Malaysian Airlines flight MH370.
Minister Watt also acknowledged the outgoing CEO.
“I thank Dr Johnson for his many years of service to the Bureau and wish him all the best in his future endeavours,” he said.
Dr Minchin holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with First Class Honours and a PhD in Freshwater Ecology from Monash University. His appointment underscores the Australian Government’s focus on scientific leadership to deliver trusted, modern and connected weather and water services.