Leading human resources executive, Joanne Chin, has been appointed Climateworks Centre’s new Chief Operating Officer.
Joanne comes to Climateworks with nearly a decade of private sector executive leadership experience including tenures at Google, autonomous vehicle startup Waymo, and the Kraft Heinz company.
‘I’ve had the privilege of working in some incredible organisations and want to use my experience in areas in which I can have a broader impact,’ Joanne said.
‘One of the things I’m passionate about is how we can address the challenge of climate change and achieve net zero emissions, including through technological innovation. So when the opportunity to work with Climateworks came about, it was too good to pass up.’
Joanne brings to the role significant experience in helping organisations operationalise and manage periods of growth and change.
CEO, Anna Skarbek, said she was ‘thrilled’ to have Joanne join the executive team.
‘Climateworks now has more than 100 staff in multiple locations across two countries and is celebrating 15 years of operations and impact this year. We are excited that Jo will bring her experience and approach to us as COO next month.’
‘Starting from a place of trust’
Joanne’s previous roles include Chief People Officer for Australia, NZ, Japan and Korea at Kraft Heinz and Head of People for Waymo, the company born from Google’s self-driving car project. She also worked in senior HR roles at Google in London and San Francisco.
‘One of my core values which informs my leadership style is starting from a place of trust and empowerment,’ Joanne said.
‘That is something that I took from my time at Google – you hire great people, and then you get out of their way.’
She is a firm believer that both the ‘what’ and the ‘how’ are important.
‘The problem we’re trying to solve requires urgent action and we need to drive results and have impact with the same urgency. But you can get results in a way that stays true to your culture and values. You can achieve outcomes in the right way.’
Joanne completed her Bachelor of Laws and Commerce at Monash University before working as a corporate litigation and trade practices solicitor at law firm, Allens.
Joanne is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a non-executive director and Deputy Chair at Korowa Girls’ School. She also owned and operated Owashi Lodge in Niseko, Japan.
She is a mother to 10-year-old twins and a passionate Collingwood fan (she says she is ‘very happy’ after last year’s premiership).
Joanne will take opportunities to meet with staff, the executive leadership team and the Climateworks Board before commencing in her role on April 3.
Bhavika Agnihotri, Climateworks’ Chief Operating Officer of eight years and champion of the organisation’s people-first approach, announced her departure late last year. She will continue in the role until April 2.
