The ACCC today announced that Scott Gregson would assume the role of acting Chief Operating Officer effective from Monday 27 April 2020 following the retirement of Chief Operating Officer Rayne de Gruchy.
Ms de Gruchy joined the ACCC in 2010 and commenced in her current role in 2014, driving and shaping the ACCC's culture to enhance its capabilities, performance and impact. She had announced her departure earlier this year and assisted Mr Gregson in the transition.
Ms de Gruchy was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2003 and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2008 for her contribution to public administration.
Before joining the ACCC, she led the Australian Government Solicitor as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer from 1999 to 2010, creating a successful government business enterprise in Australian Government ownership.
A lawyer by profession, Ms de Gruchy also held other senior executive positions in the public sector, been a non-executive director of a public company and practised law as a banking and finance partner of the law firm now known as Herbert Smith Freehills.
"We will miss Rayne's calm and measured guidance and advice, and wish her and her family well in her much deserved retirement," Mr Sims said.
"We thank Rayne for her outstanding career of public service and the pivotal role she has played in her time at the ACCC. Indeed, the ACCC owes much of its governance, culture, flexible working practices and success to her," ACCC Chair Rod Sims said.
Mr Gregson spent most of his career in enforcement roles at the ACCC. His most recent role was as executive general manager of its Mergers and Authorisation Review Division.
Recruitment for the permanent appointment for the COO position is expected to go ahead later in the year.
