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The new CEO of the Space Industry Association of Australia has stepped down after just three months in the role.
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In a LinkedIn post announcing the news, Maria MacNamara gave no reason for her exit while the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA) has yet to issue a public statement on the departure.
However, MacNamara said she offered her “good wishes” to Lisa Vitaris, who replaces her as CEO in an interim capacity.
The news comes with the SIAA set to oversee the global IAC space conference next year in Sydney, in what will be a hugely significant moment for the local industry.
“The past few weeks in the heart of Australia’s space ecosystem have been remarkable,” MacNamara wrote.
“While I made the call to step down as the CEO of SIAA, I am not stepping away from the space ecosystem. There is much to be done.
“Australia can make its mark, and nothing needs to stop us from having the space ecosystem become a top five contributor to GDP in the next 7–10 years.
“I will reflect on what I have learned and share my thoughts soon.
“In the meantime, my thanks to those who shared their time, frustrations, and ideas with me across three continents – Australia, India, and the United States.”
MacNamara, a former adviser to an ex-science minister, only took up the high-profile role on 22 April, replacing James Brown.
At the time, the SIAA’s executive chairman, Jeremy Hallett, praised MacNamara as a “respected transformational leader” with 35 years of experience in membership organisations, the public sector, and global ICT.
“As the Australian space sector reaches new heights driven by its commercial enterprise and academic institutions, Maria brings crucial expertise in strategy and delivery, a deep global network and the ability to unlock further opportunity domestically and abroad,” he said.
MacNamara’s CV has seen her hold a number of influential government-related positions.
Between 2012 and 2019, she was an adviser to former senator Arthur Sinodinos, who, in that time, held roles including assistant treasurer, cabinet secretary and minister for industry, innovation and science.
Significantly, during his tenure as science minister, Sinodinos announced a review of the space sector in 2017 that played a crucial role in the creation of the Australian Space Agency the following year.
