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Australian Space Agency executive

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Meet the members of the Australian Space Agency’s executive team.

Enrico Palermo

Title: Head

Mr Palermo is the second Head of the Australian Space Agency, starting in January 2021 at the Agency’s Adelaide headquarters. As Head of Agency, he is responsible for overall governance and performance, management, policy leadership and strategic direction. Mr Palermo spent the previous 14 years in various roles at Virgin Galactic, including managing a team of over 700 engineers, technicians and professionals responsible for the build and testing of a fleet of Mach 3, crewed commercial spaceships. He went from being the first employee of The Spaceship Company, a Virgin Galactic subsidiary dedicated to the high-tech manufacturing function, to becoming Chief Operating Officer of the New York Stock Exchange listed public company Virgin Galactic Holdings.

A Perth native, Mr Palermo graduated from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Physics and Applied Mathematics.  Mr Palermo also studied at the International Space University in Strasbourg. Mr Palermo has worked and studied in the United States, United Kingdom, France and Netherlands. His experience goes beyond the space industry having also worked in Australian chemical processing, management consulting, onshore and offshore oil and gas, and mining industries. Returning home to Australia with his wife Nadia and two boys, Mr Palermo brings his deep technical background, international network, and business scaling experience to help further develop Australia’s expanding ecosystem of space companies and startups.

Anthony Murfett

Title: Deputy Head

Anthony Murfett is Deputy Head of the Australian Space Agency. Anthony has oversight of strategy, policy and day-to-day operations and supports the Agency Head in monitoring the performance of the Agency. He ensures the Agency delivers on its purpose to transform and grow a globally respected Australian space industry that contributes to the economy.

Anthony has worked as Minister Counsellor, Industry, Science and Education at the Australian Embassy in Washington DC. He has also been General Manager of the Growth Centres Branch in the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science in Canberra.

Anthony brings an entrepreneurial spirit to the Agency, valuing partnerships while drawing strength from diversity and pushing the boundaries of our knowledge.

Anntonette (Anny) Dailey

Title: Executive Director, Operations and Communications

Anny Dailey is responsible for the operations of the Agency, establishing its governance arrangement and ensuring it meets government requirements. In addition to managing the parliamentary interaction, finances, human resources and event management, Anny is also responsible for all communications for the Agency.

As a chartered professional engineer, Anny graduated with Honours at the University of Technology Sydney and took on a career in sustainability. Working across multiple government agencies as well as not for profits and consultancies, Anny brings more than 12 years’ experience as a senior executive to the Agency.

Karl Rodrigues

Title: Executive Director, International and National Engagement

Karl Rodrigues is responsible for developing relationships with International Space Agencies. He also engages with Australian industry, start-ups, domestic agencies, research institutions and state and territory governments to help grow the Australian space sector.

Karl has over 25 years of experience in innovation, venture investment, research, development and commercialisation of technology. Karl was Deputy Director for CSIRO Energy, responsible for the Business Unit strategy, science investment and operations. He delivered science impact, leadership and direction to the Business Unit. This included the Hydrogen Future Science Platform to create a new energy security and export opportunity for Australia.

Adam Seedsman

Title: Executive Director, Strategy and Policy

Adam Seedsman is responsible for civil space policy matters in the Agency. He also oversees development and implementation of the Agency’s investment plan, and the strategy to grow and transform Australia’s space industry.

Adam has extensive industry policy and program experience in the defence and aerospace sectors, working for the Australian Government in the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science. Before joining the department in 2009, Adam worked in several roles in the private sector in Australia and abroad.  He has worked in the development of observatory systems for optical astronomy and laser ranging, as well as military, industrial and consumer products.

Alexandra Seneta 

Title: Executive Director, Regulation and International Obligations

Alex Seneta has oversight of civil space issues. This includes authorisations for launches and returns, engagement in the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful uses of Outer Space, and its two subcommittees.

Previously, Alex worked at the Australian Communications and Media Authority for more than a decade, mostly in satellite communications regulation. She has attended International Telecommunication Union World Radiocommunication Conferences, representing Australia in the treaty level negotiations regarding frequencies for communications.

Aude Vignelles

Title: Executive Director, Program and Capability

Aude Vignelles has oversight of setting the Agency’s technology roadmap and delivering against it.

Aude is a space and aeronautics engineer (graduating from ENSICA, Toulouse) starting her career at the European Space Agency in the Netherlands. Aude has 25 years’ experience delivering large and complex programs introducing new technology in the telecommunication, space and media industries.

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Last updated: 1 March 2021

Content ID: 64712