The Australian Government has announced the appointment of Dr. Stuart Minchin as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Director of Meteorology of the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), starting on November 10, 2025. Dr. Minchin replaces Dr. Andrew Johnson, whose nine-year tenure ended in September 2025. The appointment marks a new era for the Bureau, which is instrumental in delivering accurate and timely weather, climate, and environmental data to Australians.
Dr. Minchin is also a person with extensive experience in environmental science, sustainable management of resources, and environmental data modelling. Before coming to the Bureau, he was the Director-General of the Pacific Community (SPC), the leading scientific and technical institution assisting development in 27 Pacific countries. His rich international experience provides him with an international outlook on environmental observation and decision-making based on data, which will be very useful in evolving the Bureau’s mission.
During his career, Dr. Minchin has served in important positions at premier scientific organizations, such as Geoscience Australia, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), and the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment. He has also served Australia as Principal Delegate to the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management Group of Experts (UNGGIM) and the Intergovernmental Group on Earth Observations (GEO). These have given him profound experience in using technology and information to solve intricate environmental issues.
Accepting the position, Dr. Minchin reaffirmed his dedication to continuing the Bureau’s excellence. “The Bureau of Meteorology is at the heart of the safety and wellbeing of Australians.”. I am committed to ensuring it continues to provide reliable and timely services while embracing innovations that strengthen our ability to respond to climate, weather, and ocean-related challenges,” he said. His vision includes modernizing data infrastructure, enhancing predictive capabilities, and fostering collaboration with scientific and governmental partners both domestically and internationally.
Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt, warmly welcomed Dr. Minchin’s appointment. “Dr. Minchin is an extremely well-regarded environmental data management leader. His experience and international outlook make him the perfect individual to take the Bureau into its next period of growth and innovation,” Minister Watt said. He also emphasized that Dr. Minchin’s leadership will be important in making the Bureau responsive to the changing requirements of Australians, especially in the face of growing climate variability.
Dr. Minchin takes over after the resignation of Dr. Andrew Johnson, whose nine years in charge left a lasting legacy on the Bureau. During Dr. Johnson’s tenure, the Bureau was thoroughly modernized, improving its technological capabilities and enhancing services in areas that include fire, flood, cyclone, marine, climate, and space weather forecasting. Infrastructure upgrades, such as the upgrade of weather radar networks and automated weather stations, enhanced the Bureau’s ability to disseminate timely and accurate information to the public. His leadership solidified the Bureau’s position as one of the world’s top meteorological organizations.
Looking to the future, Dr. Minchin is challenged to lead the Bureau in navigating a fast-changing science and technological environment. Climate change, extreme weather, and increasing demands for actionable environmental intelligence call for creativity and leadership. With his expertise in environmental data, international cooperation, and scientific leadership, Dr. Minchin is well placed to lead the Bureau through these challenges and strengthen its service to the Australian community.
The Bureau of Meteorology continues to be a pillar of Australia’s public safety and environmental monitoring infrastructure. Australians can expect to see ongoing enhancement in forecasting precision, technology integration, and access to information under the leadership of Dr. Minchin. His appointment reflects the government’s priority to enhance Australia’s climate and weather resilience while making sure that the Bureau continues to provide reliable world-leading services.
With Dr. Stuart Minchin leading it, the Bureau of Meteorology is set to embark on a new frontier of innovation, collaboration, and excellence, protecting lives and assisting communities around Australia through high-quality meteorological services.
