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Chris Hancock AM Honoured with Communications Ambassador Award
25 July, 2025

Chris Hancock AM Honoured with Communications Ambassador Award

Recognition for our former CEO for his outstanding contribution to Australian telecommunications

AARNet Corporate News

We are proud to share that Chris Hancock AM, former CEO of AARNet has been recognised with the prestigious Communications Ambassador Award announced at the Telecommunications Industry Excellence Awards Dinner hosted by Australian Telecommunications Alliance on 24 July.

This award is presented to an outstanding individual who has demonstrated strong leadership and made a significant, sustained and positive contribution to the Australian telecommunications industry.

Chris retired on 1 July 2025, after leading AARNet for 21 years. Under his leadership, AARNet expanded its fibre network nationwide and evolved into a world-class research and education network. He oversaw successive generations of infrastructure, from AARNet2 to the current AARNet5 program, and secured long-term capacity on key subsea cables to ensure resilient international connectivity.

He championed the development of platforms and services to support data-intensive research, including CloudStor, FileSender, Globus, and Galaxy Australia, and drove the adoption of collaboration tools such as Zoom and eduroam.

Chris also led AARNet into the cyber security space, establishing the first sector-owned Security Operations Centre for research and education in Australia.

Internationally, he was instrumental in strengthening ties with the global national research and education network community, driving cross-border infrastructure initiatives, and fostering Australia’s connection to Silicon Valley through his role as a Director of the Australian American Leadership Dialogue.

The recognition reflects not only Chris’s vision and commitment, but also the lasting impact of his work on the broader telecommunications landscape in Australia. He has long championed collaboration, technological excellence, and the critical role of connectivity in enabling excellence in research and education.

Photo credit: Australian Telecommunications Alliance Ltd.

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