Chris Hancock named 2025 Communications Ambassador at TIE Awards
Chris Hancock AM, former Chief Executive Officer of AARNet, has been recognised as the 2025 Communications Ambassador at the Telecommunications Industry Excellence (TIE) Awards.
The award, presented at the 19th Annual TIE Awards Dinner in Sydney, acknowledges Hancock's extensive contributions to the Australian telecommunications sector during a career spanning more than three decades. The event also marked the unveiling of the Communications Alliance's new identity as the Australian Telecommunications Alliance (ATA).
Industry recognition
Hancock's tenure at AARNet, which began in 2004, saw the transformation of the organisation from a modest operation into a highly regarded academic and research network. Upon his arrival, AARNet employed just seven staff and held approximately AUD $100,000 cash at bank. By the end of his leadership, the organisation had expanded to 250 employees across Australia, maintained offices in five states, and reported an annual turnover exceeding AUD $100 million, with assets over AUD $500 million and cash at bank of AUD $170 million.
His guidance facilitated the development and operation of more than 22,000 kilometres of fibre infrastructure nationwide. In addition, Hancock oversaw the construction and management of two international submarine cable systems: one connecting Sydney to Guam and the other linking Sydney to Perth and onward to Singapore.
In acknowledgment of Hancock's contributions, Luke Coleman, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Telecommunications Alliance, commented,
"Chris Hancock AM is one of the telecommunications industry's enduring figures, having spent more than two decades at the helm of AARNet – Australia's national research and education network."
Coleman continued, "Mr Hancock's leadership saw AARNet substantially grow the size and capacity of its network and operations. From AARNet's beginnings in 1989 as a pioneer of the internet in Australia, AARNet today is firmly established as one of the world's leading academic and research networks."
He also added, "Chris Hancock has been a figure of great substance in our industry for thirty years, and following his recently departure from AARNet he is a fitting winner of this year's Communications Ambassador award."
Career and legacy
Before joining AARNet, Hancock held several senior leadership roles within the telecommunications sector. He served as Managing Director of Optus Business and Optus Wholesale from 1998 to 2004, held executive positions at Vodafone Australia between 1996 and 1998, and worked at the Seven Network from 1993 to 1996. In addition to these operational roles, Hancock contributed to industry leadership through board roles, including work with the Australian American Leadership Dialogueue and as Chair of the Internet Industry Association.
The Communications Ambassador award is considered the sector's most prestigious individual recognition. Hancock reflected on the recognition, saying,
"Just a few weeks after closing the AARNet chapter, and another unexpected honour. I am very humbled to have received the Communications Industry Ambassador Award at the 2025 Telecommunications Industry Excellence Awards. To be recognised twice in just a few months, first by CommsDay, and now by Communications Alliance, is something I never ever imagined."
He added, "I've always believed that if you focus on the work and surround yourself with great people, the rest will take care of itself. This award is a tribute to the entire AARNet team and to the many individuals and organisations I've had the privilege to work with over the past three decades.
"Our shared mission to strengthen connectivity, collaboration and innovation across Australia's research and education sectors has been the real reward. My sincere thanks to the Australian Telecommunications Alliance and everyone involved in the TIE Awards. It was a special night and a meaningful way to reflect on what has been a truly rewarding journey."
The acknowledgement from both the ATA and CommsDay highlights the significance of Hancock's impact, particularly in facilitating research and innovation through enhanced digital infrastructure. His leadership at AARNet advanced Australia's position in global connectivity for academia and research.
