Industry Capability Network (ICN) Victoria has announced the appointment of Dianne Smith as its new CEO.

On behalf of the ICN Vctoria Board, Chairman Tim Piper confirmed the appointment on 10 September. He acknowledged the significant contribution by outgoing Executive Director, Grant Anderson, and thanked him for his stewardship of ICN over the past two years.

“As Victoria emerges from the substantial impacts of COVID-19, the role of ICN and growing local jobs and content could not be of greater importance,” says Piper. “Grant has been a knowledgeable and excellent leader for ICN, and Dianne will build on this, bringing a fresh perspective for our future challenges.”

Smith has exceptional industry and government connections to ICN having served as Chief Executive of the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce (part of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry) for the past four years, and also as a member of the Victorian State Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Advisory Council. Prior to that, she led the state’s peak body for tourism and events, the Victoria Tourism Industry Council.

“With the current situation, and in line with our Local Jobs First policy, it is certainly the time to continue our State’s investment in Victoria’s future capability,” said Smith. “I’m looking forward to working with the Board and team, and playing an instrumental role in Victoria’s recovery from the pandemic.”

Smith will commence work at ICN Victoria in early November, with Anderson retiring from the role on 29 October.