Stephen is CEO of AusIMM, the peak body for professionals working in the resources sector. Since being appointed CEO in 2017, AusIMM has embarked on a significant change program to be a more contemporary organisation with a stronger external focus. AusIMM now delivers an expanded range of professional development and plays a more influential role in upholding professional standards and shaping some of our most important industry conversations. Stephen has extensive experience in association management, including five years as CEO of Engineers Australia and prior to that over 15 years experience in corporate leadership roles.

Joanne Farrell retired from the Rio Tinto Group in March 2020 after 32 years’ service, with her final position being Group Executive Health Safety and Environment (HSE) and Managing Director Australia, reporting to the CEO. During her time with Rio Tinto, she held leadership roles in HSE, Communications, Government and Community Relations and Human Resources (HR), predominately in Australasia, the America’s, Europe and Africa. Joanne is currently Chair of Safe Work Australia and Chair of Brightwater Care Group. Her non-executive director roles also include; Royal Flying Doctor Service (Western Operations) Senate of the University of Western Australia, and Deputy Chair of the Queen Elizabeth II Medical Trust. She is a member of the AICD and Chief Executive Women. Throughout her career Joanne has been active in supporting indigenous capacity building and reconciliation and has been active in many gender equity related organizations along with mentoring women in both the Mining Industry and Not-For-Profit organisations. She was recognised for contributions to gender equity with awards from the Chamber of Minerals and Energy Western Australia, Financial Review’s Women of Influence and Women in Mining International. Joanne holds a qualifications in Psychology, Economics and Executive Management from University of Western Australia, Curtin University, Australian Graduate School of Management (UNSW) and London Business School.