The Board of the Canberra Innovation Network has welcomed the ACT Chief Minister's nomination of Hala Batainah as the new Director of the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN) and has elected her to be the Chair of the Canberra Innovation Network commencing on 1 July 2019.  The change in leadership at CBRIN has resulted from a successful four-year term coming to an end for the current Chair, Tony Henshaw.

Batainah joins CBRIN with more than 20 years' experience in the information and communications technology industry and has served in senior executive roles for companies including Microsoft, IBM and Select Computer Technology.  She is a successful cultural and business leader with strong business acumen, a proven track record for creating and executing market-making strategies, and working and collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders across multi-national, national and local organisations.

Most recently, Batainah was Federal Director at Microsoft Australia.  During her eight years with the company, she was entrusted to lead Microsoft's engagement in Canberra, delivered on revenue growth and defined, optimised and delivered on the organisation's strategy and business plan for the Federal, Defence and ACT Government.

Batainah previously spent more than ten years with IBM in several roles, including as Software Federal Government Business Executive where she was responsible for the acceleration of revenue in software and professional services across the Federal, Defence, Health, Education, State and Local Governments market sectors.  Prior, she worked for Lotus Development in several professional services management roles during the company's acquisition by IBM.

the Australian Capital Territory Chief Minister Andrew Barr says, “Innovation is so fundamental for the future prosperity of Canberra. Thanks to strong leadership, the Canberra Innovation Network now connects our knowledge institutions with government, industry and entrepreneurs to accelerate innovation-driven economic growth.

“I am looking forward to seeing Hala Batainah build on Tony Henshaw's work and grow the importance and impact of the network even further.

CBRIN is supported by the ACT Government, six foundation members and in partnership with industry aims to connect, promote and accelerate the growth of the region's innovation and entrepreneurial eco-system for economic and global impact.

Its six leading tertiary education and research institutions include the Australian National University, Canberra Institute of Technology, CSIRO, Data61, University of Canberra and UNSW Canberra. The organisation coordinates support and delivers a range of programs and events for startups, entrepreneurs, researchers, innovators, creatives, youth and SMEs. Through collaboration, the organisation is dedicated to building a healthier and better ecosystem to help strengthen Australia's economy.