Much has evolved in Climateworks’ ambition to accelerate the transition to net zero emissions – but a constant has been the steady support of a fantastic Board whose experience and commitment spurs us onwards.

Climateworks is fortunate that its Board membership has remained very stable and has consistently contributed great expertise and a passion for our work. This is exemplified in Will Spraggett – who joined our Board in August 2012. An incredible nine years later, Will is stepping down from this role. His legacy however, goes on. 

As Chair John Thwaites commented, ‘(Will’s) contribution has been characterised by innovative ideas, finance acumen, strategic thinking … and tireless efforts to increase the credibility and visibility of Climateworks.’

We extend to Will, our deepest appreciation for all the time, dedication and skill he has shared over so many years. And of course, he’ll continue to support our progress. 

Climateworks farewells Will Spraggett from the Board, and welcomes Dr Ron Ben-David, Dr Filda Citra Yusgiantoro and Simon Herd.

Meanwhile, we extend a belated welcome to Dr Ron Ben-David, who joined Climateworks’ Board in August of last year in the midst of COVID lockdown in Melbourne. Ron is also a Professorial Fellow, Business and Economics Faculty Office at Monash University and Principal of Solrose Consulting. Ron has held senior leadership roles over 20 years in policy development and economic regulation. As a widely acknowledged thought leader, Ron has driven major and innovative reforms, particularly in the regulation of the Victorian energy and water sectors, and has also written and presented on a wide range of economic, regulatory and policy topics.

Welcome too, to our first internationally based Board member, Dr Filda Citra Yusgiantoro, BEng, MBM, MBA, PhD. As chairperson of Purnomo Yusgiantoro Center (PYC) based in Jakarta Indonesia, Filda is passionate about research around key issues in the energy sector, including financing access to energy. She co-founded the independent not-for-profit think-tank with her father, Purnomo Yusgiantoro, who was formerly Indonesia’s Minister for Energy and Minister for Defence, and former president-secretary general of OPEC. Filda is dedicated to supporting PYC to become a thought leader and knowledge hub in sustainable energy and natural resources. We are very fortunate indeed to have the opportunity to draw on her expertise. 

We are also very pleased to welcome another new Board member, Simon Herd, who has been appointed as The Myer Foundation’s replacement for Will Spraggett – the Myer Foundation co-founded Climateworks with Monash University. Simon brings to Climateworks’ Board a deep interest in philanthropy and grantmaking. He co-founded SmartyGrants, one of the world’s leading grants management systems. SmartyGrants was created in 2009 – when Cloud technology still had trainer wheels – and today, supports hundreds of thousands of users. He also helped establish the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network (AEGN). Simon is product manager at Atlassian and was previously Founder and CEO of ThinkTilt.

With a depth of experience and learning spanning many sectors, Climateworks’ Board shares our ambition and vision for a prosperous, net zero world for all.

Visit our website to meet more members of our board or to learn more about our work.