The Grattan Institute has announced the next CEO of the public policy think tank will be Dr Aruna Sathanapally.
The announcement was made on Monday morning, with the Chairman of the Grattan Institute Board Lindsay Maxsted saying Dr Sathanapally heading the organisation will secure a positive future for the Institute.
“We are delighted to be able to appoint someone of Aruna’s calibre, intellect, and standing,” Maxsted said.
“The Board is confident that under Aruna’s leadership, Grattan will continue to build its position as a permanent institution in Australian public life, to the benefit of present and future generations.”
A former barrister and management consultant, Dr Sathanapally has a strong background in law, completing her masters and doctorate at the University of Oxford as a Menzies Scholar and a John Monash Scholar.
She is currently the Executive Director, Macroeconomy at the NSW Treasury and previously led the Revenue division, the NSW intergenerational report, and health and justice reform.
Dr Sathanapally will become the third CEO of the Grattan Institute, as Danielle Wood departs from the role to become the Chair of the Productivity Commission. Dr Sathanapally will commence her role in late February.
In a statement, Dr Sathanapally said she feels honoured to be the next CEO of the organisation.
“Grattan Institute is Australia’s independent public policy powerhouse, so it’s an honour to take on this vital role,” she said.
“I know from experience that Grattan has a well-earned and enviable reputation in government and beyond for intellectual rigour and innovative thinking.
“Grattan’s Program Directors – Tony Wood in Energy, Peter Breadon (Health), Jordana Hunter (Education), Brendan Coates (Economic Policy), and Sam Bennett as head of the new Disability Program – are all recognised leaders and experts in their field.
“I can’t wait to start working with them and the Institute’s highly motivated research staff, to identify and advocate for better public policy in the interests of all Australians.”
The Grattan Institute is an independent public policy think tank, established in 2008. Since then, the organisation has advised governments and helped shape major public policies in Australia through research, reports and recommendations.
Some of the important policies Grattan has advised on include making paid parental leave more gender-equal and the Federal Government’s 2022 cheaper childcare package, among others.