Nick Austin
CEO
Nick Austin joined Watertrust Australia Ltd from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle where he was Director, Agricultural Development in the Global Development division from 2017–2021. Before Nick joined the Gates Foundation, he was Interim Executive Director, CGIAR, based in Montpellier, France.
Nick has held senior executive roles for over a decade, including seven years as CEO of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and Executive Director roles in the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries. A hydrologist by training, Nick has undertaken or managed research programs in most major irrigated commodities in Australia. He holds a PhD in irrigation and water quality from The University of Melbourne, a Masters in Sustainable Management from The University of Sydney, and a Bachelor of Engineering in agriculture with honours from The University of Melbourne.
Nick is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has held many directorships including being a Director of Land & Water Australia, the Value-Added Wheat CRC and the Australian Sheep Industry CRC. He is also a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (FTSE). Nick will maintain his role on the board of Gates Agricultural Innovations.