Sullivan comes to METS Ignited after 10 years of diplomatic postings including six years with Austrade in South America with his last posting in mining centre, Santiago.

Prior to his public service, Sullivan was a senior executive in the internet and 3D animation sectors in Australia and holds an MBA from the Melbourne Business School.

The METS Growth Centre is an industry-led, government-funded initiative that forms part of the Federal Government’s Innovation and Competitiveness Agenda, under the Christopher Pyne’s ministerial portfolio.

METS Growth Centre chairwoman Elizabeth Lewis-Gray said the sector already exports $15 billion of goods and services each year but its goal is to double that figure by 2030.

“The Australian METS sector is a home-grown, global innovation leader, employing 386,000 highly skilled manufacturing, technology, digital and research employees and offering high value job and career opportunities in the future. Our vision is to strengthen Australia’s global competitive advantage in this very significant, leading edge sector of the Australian economy” she said.

“The performance of METS Ignited and the achievement of its vision will be dependent on the quality of its staff and board members,” she said. “That is why I am delighted to introduce our newly appointed CEO and board directors who bring extensive experience and passion to the organisation and sector.”