Our people

Rod is a policy economist specialising in innovation at the system and societal levels. As the CEO and Academic Director of MKI, Rod supports the leaders who are tackling the most complex public policy problems. Rod has worked in and with governments for 25 years, including as Deputy Secretary in Victoria’s Department of Premier and Cabinet, Senior Economic Adviser to Australia’s Shadow Treasurer and Senior Adviser to an Australian Prime Minister. He has led major federation and innovation reforms and worked with leading innovation agencies in London, San Francisco and New York. He was Professor of Policy and Impact with the Monash Sustainable Development Institute.

Anne is a political scientist, author and public commentator with three decades’ experience in academia, federal and state government and consulting. Her research focuses on the work of governing. She has written extensively on the political–administrative interface, governmental transitions, policy capacity and executive advisory arrangements – particularly the support needs of ministers – the role of the public service, intergovernmental coordination and public policy agenda-setting. She is co-author, with Patrick Weller, of the authoritative text describing and analysing the work of ministers in Australia, Learning to be a Minister: Heroic Expectations, Practical Realities.

Gemma is a public purpose leader committed to building teams, organisations and systems that drive better outcomes for people, communities and our environment. She has over 20 years' experience working with governments on policy reform. She is a former Managing Director and Partner at Boston Consulting Group and has also worked at the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet on health and education policy, and the Department of Sustainability and Environment on major water projects. Gemma served on the independent pricing committee of the National Disability Insurance Agency. Gemma is deeply committed to mentoring women and building high-performing teams.

Darren is a senior corporate affairs and public policy specialist with experience spanning the government and private sectors. He previously served as a Chief of Staff to cabinet ministers in federal and state government, including as the Chief of Staff to the Treasurer of Victoria. Darren’s corporate and industry association experience includes senior roles in the energy, finance, property and retail sectors.