WAITTA appoints Anita Ghose to drive innovation in Western Australia

WAITTA has announced the appointment of Adjunct Professor Anita Ghose to its Board of Directors.

Adjunct Professor Ghose, who serves as Founder and Chief Executive of inventiveX, brings more than 25 years of experience leading reforms in healthcare and human services across Australia and internationally. Her professional background includes previous roles as Health Partner and National Lead Partner Aged Care within a global professional services firm. She holds extensive expertise in large-scale digital transformation, workforce optimisation, strategy, governance, data and AI, and is recognised for her clinician-led, human-centred approach to change management.

Board experience

WAITTA highlighted that Ms Ghose's appointment will support its mission to foster Western Australia's technology and innovation ecosystem. The organisation praised her background across government, industry, and non-profit sectors, as well as her established networks and experience working on complex projects globally.

"Anita has, and continues to, lead transformation projects across Australia and globally. She brings with her a fantastic combination of strategy, execution and deep sector knowledge with long standing global networks and alliances. Her appointment will help WAITTA grow its role as a connector between industry, government, academia and community - and create more opportunities for young Western Australians to thrive in the technology and innovation professions."

Ms Ghose has served as an advisor to both federal and state governments on policy areas including healthcare, aged care, and support for vulnerable Australians. She holds board roles in various organisations spanning aged care, disability, and health foundations. Additionally, she maintains her role as Adjunct Professor at Curtin University's School of Allied Health and serves on the School's Advisory Board, where she brings an industry focus on innovation, digitisation and the future of care.

Driving technology transformation

WAITTA President Con Polkinghorne emphasised the value Ms Ghose's global perspective and sector experience will add to the organisation in facilitating reforms and strengthening industry ties. Her expertise in digital transformation, governance and human-centred innovation is viewed as central to WAITTA's objectives of empowering local talent and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.

The appointment comes as Western Australia continues to invest in building pathways for the next generation of science, data, and technology professionals. WAITTA operates various programmes in the region, connecting innovators, educators, government, and industry leaders.

Responding to her appointment, Ms Ghose said:

"WAITTA has been at the heart of Western Australia's technology community for more than three decades. Its work celebrating innovators and building pathways into STEM careers is critical for our economy and vital to our state's future workforce. I look forward to supporting its growth and helping the acceleration of digital transformation and global recognition of WA's talent across science, data and technology".

WAITTA, established in 1991, remains the state's oldest not-for-profit dedicated to supporting local technology talent. Its programmes include the INCITE Awards, Game Changer Awards and putt4dough, which aim to connect the state's wider innovation community, including young professionals and students, with opportunities for industry engagement and recognition.

Ms Ghose's appointment as Board Director is effective immediately.