The CEO of .au Domain Administration (auDA), Rosemary Sinclair AM, is due to step down from her position at the end of 2024, per the announcement from the auDA Board. Sinclair, who assumed the role in March 2020, has been commended for advocating for the .au and championing an open, free, secure and global internet as a foundation for Australia's digital economy.
With a professional background spanning the telecommunications, energy, and media sectors in Australia, Sinclair was pivotal in fostering increased collaboration with auDA’s multi-stakeholder community, which includes .au members, industry, civil society, and government. During her tenure, she successfully reset auDA’s strategy and focus.
In expressing gratitude for Sinclair's contributions, Alan Cameron AO, Chair of auDA, said, “Rosemary has worked tirelessly to build public trust in auDA and promote the value of the .au. Her strong leadership in enhancing the security and compliance activity, delivering a successful registry services tender, developing a new .au member program, reshaping auDA’s public benefit programme, and launching Australia’s newest namespace, .au direct, has been instrumental in growing trust and confidence in the .au. Her efforts have seen it grow to become the seventh largest country-code Top-Level Domain in the world.”
Cameron continued by extending appreciation from the Board for Sinclair's dynamic commitment to the organisation. He noted the significant outcomes she achieved during her time at the helm. Cameron said, "We value her promise to stay on until December 2024 to allow for a smooth transition to her successor."
Reflecting on her upcoming departure, Sinclair commented, “I am pleased to have built a strong team with a focus on good governance and administering the .au in the public interest. Upon my departure, auDA is well-positioned to continue to deliver on its mandate to provide a secure, stable, and reliable .au and maintain a transparent, responsive and efficient licensing regime."
"We still have several significant projects to deliver in 2024, but thereafter I look forward to continuing to contribute in other ways and spending more time with my family, especially the little ones I am fortunate to have in my life.”
An open search for a new CEO is planned, and the specific details will be announced when ready. This search is part of ensuring auDA continues to meet its goals in providing a secure, stable domain solution for all Australians and actively endorsing multi-stakeholder processes both locally and globally.
Rosemary Sinclair's impending departure from her role as CEO of auDA marks the end of a tenure characterised by steadfast advocacy for the .au domain and a commitment to fostering collaboration within Australia's digital community. As the organisation prepares for a smooth transition to new leadership, Sinclair's legacy of dedication to public interest and good governance ensures that auDA remains well-equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of internet governance and continue its mission of providing a secure, stable, and reliable online domain for all Australians.