The Business Council of Australia has appointed Robin Khuda, Founder and CEO of AirTrunk, and Vicki Brady, CEO and Managing Director of Telstra, as directors of the BCA Board.
Business Council of Australia President Geoff Culbert noted that this represents a significant strengthening of the BCA Board's capabilities in technology and innovation.
"With the appointment of these two exceptional leaders, the BCA is doubling down on the critical growth drivers in the Australian economy of digital infrastructure, connectivity, and AI", Mr Culbert said.
Mr Culbert welcomed Mr Khuda, acknowledging his pioneering leadership in high-growth technology sectors and his role in advancing Australia's digital infrastructure.
"Robin Khuda's track record as an entrepreneur in hyperscale data centres is second to none and significantly strengthens our Board's existing expertise in innovation and the digital economy," Mr Culbert said.
"His experience will help shape the Business Council's mission to lift Australia's productivity and secure more opportunities for Australians as we work to become a regional hub for innovation in areas like AI."
AirTrunk Founder and CEO Robin Khuda said, "It's an honour to join the Board of the Business Council and contribute to public policy advocacy that shapes a stronger, more resilient and forward-looking economy.
"Australia can and should be a nation that ranks among the best globally when it comes to innovation.
"I look forward to working with the BCA and its members to ensure Australian businesses thrive, compete and create opportunities for Australians."
Mr Khuda has held senior roles at technology and telecommunications companies across the Asia-Pacific and was named The Australian Financial Review Business Person of the Year for 2024.
Most notably, Mr Khuda recently led the completion of the largest ever data centre deal globally when Blackstone acquired AirTrunk in a $24 billion deal last year.
Mr Culbert also welcomed Ms Brady, acknowledging her national leadership in delivering a more digitally connected Australia with a strong focus on inclusive growth.
"Vicki Brady is an exceptional leader who leads one of Australia's most significant businesses and is a driving force in building a more connected and productive Australia," Mr Culbert said.
"Her deep experience in digital connectivity, technology, skills, and critical infrastructure will be critical to furthering Australia's productivity agenda, which is central to our BCA advocacy efforts."
"Together, these two new appointments to the Board reflect the heavy emphasis the BCA is placing on the role of innovation and technology in building a stronger Australia for all."
Telstra CEO and Managing Director Vicki Brady said, "I'm pleased to join the BCA Board at a time when business leadership is so fundamentally important in building a stronger future for all Australians, and the role of technology and AI is so central to that vision."
"As we navigate an increasingly digital economy, I look forward to supporting policies that unlock innovation, grow capability and deliver better outcomes for communities across the nation."
Prior to becoming CEO, Ms Brady held multiple senior roles with Telstra, most recently as Chief Financial Officer and Strategy & Finance Group Executive, as well as senior roles with Optus, SingTel and KPMG.
Mr Khuda and Ms Brady join President Geoff Culbert, Commonwealth Bank Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Matt Comyn, Woodside Energy Chief Executive Meg O'Neill, Wesfarmers Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Rob Scott, Rio Tinto Australia Chief Executive Kellie Parker, Google Australia & New Zealand Managing Director and VP Mel Silva, Dow Australia & New Zealand Managing Director Karen Dobson, Gilbert & Tobin Co-Founder and Chairman Danny Gilbert AM and Chief Executive Bran Black on the BCA Board.
