Palandri appointed Scitech chair

Multiplex boss Chris Palandri will be chair of Scitech, following Tony Joyner's announcement he would step down after serving in the role for eight years. 

Mr Joyner, who is Herbert Smith Freehills managing partner for Perth, joined the board in 2010 and became chair in 2012.

His replacement, Mr Palandri, has been the regional managing director of Multiplex since 2009 after joining the company in 1990.

Mr Palandri is also a board member of the Australian Institute of Management, and was previously president of the Property Council of Australia WA Division.

At the AGM today, Mr Joyner said it had been a privilege to lead Scitech’s board for the past eight years and he was immensely proud of how the people of Scitech engaged the community in STEM learning experiences.

“There have been many great achievements to celebrate from my time as chair, however it’s the transformational journey Scitech has initiated with the New Scitech strategy that I am particularly proud of,” he said.

“Over the last few years, we have shown that rejuvenation of process, reignition of ideas and readdressing a simply mission statement of STEM engagement is not only possible, but necessary.

“New Scitech has boosted the role Scitech plays in this state to deepen STEM engagement and I have every confidence that this journey will reap the benefits for every Western Australian citizen in the years and decades to come.”

Scitech chief executive Kalien Selby thanked Mr Joyner for his commitment and said she had been consistently inspired by his ideas and energy.

“Particularly in 2020, his guidance has been reassuring while navigating the complex environment of COVID-19.” Ms Selby said.