New QMI Board to boost Queensland business

Mike Swart, Reuben Bettle, Dr Tim Turner, Prof Cori Stewart, Warren Jansen

The Industry Capability Network (ICN) is pleased to announce the new Board of the Queensland Manufacturing Institute (QMI) with retired senior information technology professional Dr Tim Turner as Chair.

Dr Turner has held executive roles in the university sector, as well as senior management roles in the Australian public service. As a management consultant, he has worked on complex IT and business strategy projects with the highest levels of government here and overseas.

He currently holds three ongoing non-executive director roles in related non-government organisations, is the company secretary to a small non-profit Indigenous children’s education charity and sits on two management committee positions in professional associations.

“I'm honoured to help guide QMI at the beginning of its next phase,” Dr Turner said.

“QMI has a proud history of service to Queensland industry, particularly manufacturers, which we will honour as we move forward.

“Recent wins are a testament to the great work and reputation of QMI and its staff. Our next 12 months will be focused on consolidating the operations of QMI to position it to continue to deliver services to all our clients at an exemplary standard.

“A key part of this will be a focus on the organisation's culture and the way we work together as a team.”

Joining Dr Turner is science and technology commercialisation leader Professor Cori Stewart and digital transformation expert Mr Reuben Bettle.

Professor Stewart is the founder and CEO of the ARM Hub. She is leading a manufacturing innovation hub and is a current member of the Australian Government’s Industry Innovation Science Australia Board and one of Australia’s ‘Superstars of STEM’.

“I am excited to contribute to QMI’s next chapter, highlighting the importance of positioning the organisation as a leader in supporting manufacturers build their market opportunities alongside embracing new technologies,” she said. “I believe this new board will play a pivotal role in guiding QMI through an era of rapid technological and market changes, ensuring it remains agile, impactful, and deeply connected to industry needs.

“I see significant opportunities for QMI leveraging its deep supply chain expertise and expanding its influence by building stronger collaborations across sectors, regions and markets.”

Reuben is a seasoned technology and industry leader with more than 30 years’ experience delivering innovation across the public and private sectors. He is currently Director for Federal Government at LAB3, one of Australia’s fastest growing ICT product and services firms. He previously served as IBM’s Director for Federal Government, negotiating its whole-of-government agreement and helping establish critical national platforms.

 “I’m delighted to join the Board of the Queensland Manufacturing Institute at a time when digital innovation is reshaping industry. I have a passion for helping organisations deliver better outcomes by embracing and adopting emerging technologies, and I see the same opportunity now for Queensland manufacturing,” Reuben said.

“Queensland has a unique advantage − with strong regional industries, a culture of innovation, and a pathway to showcase our capabilities on the world stage as we prepare for Brisbane 2032.

“By embracing emerging technologies, supporting regional development, and fostering collaboration between research, government, and business, QMI is uniquely placed to foster opportunities across the sector. I can’t wait to be part of that transformation.”

These appointments follow the ICN National Office’s recent acquisition of QMI.

ICN National and QMI Chief Executive Officer Warren Jansen said the acquisition was an important step in strengthening sovereign supply chains and expanding opportunities for local manufacturers across Australia.

“Dr Turner and the Board are committed to ICN’s mission to build sovereign supply chains by connecting capable local suppliers to major projects,” Warren said.

“QMI has been our Queensland ICN licensee for some time now and has been a strong and trusted partner in delivering billions of dollars of work for businesses in the Sunshine State.

“We are thrilled to officially integrate QMI into our national offering and we are confident that this new Board has the experience and expertise needed to empower our Queensland team to continue growing local industry and help create more local jobs.“