Agriculture Victoria Services welcomes new CEO and Director appointments

On 20 November 2023, Michelle Goldsmith joined AVS as its new Chief Executive Officer. Michelle joins AVS from the role of Partner, Strategic Project Partners, a boutique consulting firm, specialising in scientific commercialisation.  Her career in the innovation and commercialisation eco-system has spanned commercialisation roles in SPP Management Consulting, the Florey Institute and Global Kinetics, following a range of policy, operational, IP protection and commercialisation roles in health sciences in private and government roles. The Board is very grateful for the strong leadership of Shane Cagney and Jane Banovac throughout the CEO appointment process.

In addition and following a competitive selection process consistent with the Appointment and Remuneration Guidelines 1 July 2023, Cabinet recently approved Dianne Angus and Geoff Harry for appointment to the AVS Board of Directors. Dr Amanda Caples was also approved for reappointment.

Dianne has worked in the biotech, pharma and agritech sectors for over 30 years and possesses relevant expertise and deep knowledge in the commercialisation of research. Dianne has a Masters in Biotechnology (Monash University), is a Registered Patent and Trademark Attorney and has a Bachelor (Hons) Science, specialising in Zoology and Genetics (Melbourne University).

As a current member of the AVS Audit and Risk Committee, Geoff has a clear understanding of the objectives and intentions of AVS. Geoff has significant Board experience and demonstrates a very measured and considered approach to the role he has played in Board positions. Geoff has a Bachelor of Economics (Monash University).

Dr Amanda Caples is Victoria’s Chief Scientist and a full-time public sector employee. Amanda has a track record of success operating at the university-business interface and commercialising the outcomes of Australian medical research through research programs, intellectual property management, licensing agreements, cooperative research centres, international alliances and start-up ventures. She has served on a broad range of university Advisory Boards and has a long history of advising Ministers on science and innovation policy. Dr Caples holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and Doctor of Philosophy.