Standards Australia appoints new CEO

Standards Australia has appointed a new CEO, Emma Harrington, who will take up her new role from 3 April 2024.

Ms Harrington has held senior leadership roles with organisations including NRMA, Foxtel, Yahoo7 and Seven West Media. She is also an experienced board member, serving on the Boards of ADHD Australia, the Electric Vehicle Council, Chargefox and Club Assist. (More information on Emma is listed in the bio below).

Standards Australia Chair, Tracey Gramlick, says Ms Harrington was appointed following a wide search and exhaustive recruitment process.

“Emma is a dynamic executive leader with an extensive background in strategy innovation and transformation across a range of organisations,” Ms Gramlick says. “She is thrilled to join our organisation and continue the transformation program already begun by our current CEO Adrian O’Connell.”

“The Board of Standards Australia looks forward to working with Emma as she brings her extensive experience and leadership skills to support the organisation as it fulfills its vision and mission.”

Ms Gramlick said the Board thanked Adrian O’Connell for his enormous contribution to Standards Australia over 18 years’ service to the organisation, including five years as CEO.

“Adrian has had a long and successful career with Standards Australia. He and his leadership team have built the foundations of a more customer-focused organisation that is delivering even greater value to the Australian community.”

Mr O’Connell says: “It has been a wonderful privilege to lead the company for the last five years and work with so many committed people across all sectors of the economy.”  

“The past two decades have been years of challenge and transformation, and I am particularly proud of what we have been able to achieve in delivering more accessible, affordable, useable and timely standards addressing the needs of industry and community.”

“Standards Australia is a great national asset and is in good hands. Under the new stewardship of Emma Harrington and her leadership team, our organisation will deliver on its mission and vision to empower communities and be a global leader in trusted solutions that improve life.”

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Bio – Emma Harrington 

Emma Harrington has a history of transforming companies, engaging with employees, customers and stakeholders to deliver meaningful outcomes. Prior to joining Standards Australia, Emma was CEO of the iconic NRMA Motoring and Membership business for three years, leading its strategic response to the global shifts to decarbonise transport. She was previously NRMA’s Chief Customer Officer. 

As a powerful advocate for organisation collaboration, diversity, equity, inclusion and empowerment, Emma has a track record of pioneering outcomes, including The NRMA’s first female roadside patrol and tow operators in its 102-year history. 

Prior to joining NRMA, Emma held roles as Director Wholesale & Distribution for Foxtel Group, Managing Director /Acting CEO for Yahoo7, and Group Head of Data & Transaction Commercialisation for Seven West Media. 

Emma holds a Master of Arts in Politics and International Relations from York University, Toronto, Canada.