Aude Vignelles, the first Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the Australian Space Agency, has announced her departure from the agency.
First CTO of Australian Space Agency Steps Down
Vignelles initially joined the agency in 2019 as the Executive Director of Program and Capability and was appointed as CTO in November 2020.
In a LinkedIn post, Vignelles expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the agency’s inaugural CTO, highlighting the team’s achievements in establishing the Office of the CTO and developing a comprehensive technical strategy in collaboration with government bodies and international space partners.
Enrico Palermo, the agency’s head, praised Vignelles’ contributions, emphasizing her leadership skills, expertise, and positive reputation among stakeholders. He credited her efforts in the agency’s early stages for laying a strong foundation for both the agency and the broader industry.
Palermo wished Vignelles success in her future endeavors, acknowledging her ongoing commitment to enhancing Australia’s position in the global space sector.
Currently, Jarrod Powell serves as the General Manager of National Space Capability, Technology, and Programs at the agency.
Before joining the Australian Space Agency, Vignelles had a distinguished career with the European Space Agency in the 1990s. She relocated to Australia in 2002 and held various positions with organizations such as Foxtel, Technicolor, and NBN Co.
Additionally, Vignelles serves on the advisory boards of CSIRO’s Future Science Platform, the Pawsey Supercomputing Centre, and the Australian Robotic Inspection and Asset Management (ARIAM) Hub.


