CEDA National Chairman Paul McClintock AO said Melinda was chosen after an extensive and extremely competitive selection process.

“Melinda is an outstanding choice, bringing a wealth of experience from both an economics and business background,” he said.

Ms Cilento is currently a Commissioner with the Productivity Commission and holds several non-executive roles including with Reconciliation Australia, Woodside Petroleum and Australian Unity.

Previously Ms Cilento was the Deputy CEO and Chief Economist with the Business Council of Australia and has also held senior roles with the Federal Department of Treasury, Invesco and the International Monetary Fund.

“This appointment marks an exciting new chapter for CEDA and the Board is looking forward to working with Melinda to ensure CEDA continues to deliver on its remit to produce rigorous research and policy discussion to influence good public policy,” Mr McClintock said.

Commenting on the appointment, Ms Cilento said she was excited to be taking on the role.

“CEDA holds a special place as one of the few independent bodies contributing to discussion and debate around national economic and social policy,” she said.

“I look forward to working with members to ensure CEDA continues to deliver high calibre speakers and quality discussion on the CEDA stage.

“Priorities when I begin will be to meet with members, many of whom I already know through my previous roles, and begin planning CEDA’s 2018 research agenda.

“CEDA is in great shape and I’m looking forward to exploring how we can expand the reach and influence even further of CEDA’s robust research agenda and events program.”

Ms Cilento takes over the position from Professor the Hon. Stephen Martin, who led CEDA from 2011 to 2017.

Learn more

View Melinda Cilento's profile here.