Chris Vonwiller - Chairman

Chris is a successful leader in the development and commercialization of new technology in the ICT space.

Prior to joining Appen, Chris served for 20 years in senior executive positions with leading Australian telecommunications carrier, Telstra Corporation Limited, playing a leading role in the development and deployment of innovative Internet services, multimedia and pay television. As Chairman of Telstra's subsidiary On Australia, he led the creation and introduction of Telstra's Internet Service Big Pond.

Chris was a foundation member of the board of Intelsat Ltd, the world's leading global telecommunications satellite organization and was elected as President and Chairman of the Pacific Telecommunications Council.

He was listed in 2008 as one of the "Top 100 Australia's Most Influential Engineers". In the same year, he was named as "Entrepreneur of the Year" by Engineers Australia Sydney Division.

He is currently Deputy Chairman of The Warren Centre for Advanced Engineering at the University of Sydney. For his work in Appen, Chris was made an "Innovation Hero" by The Warren Centre in June 2007.

Chris holds degrees in Science and Engineering (with Honours) from the University of Sydney, and completed a Master of Business Administration degree with Macquarie University. In 2007, he was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering.