Engineers Australia appoints new Chief Engineer

Engineers Australia has announced the appointment of Rear Admiral Katherine Richards AM CSC as its new Chief Engineer.

Engineers Australia National President and Board Chair Dr Raj Aseervatham said the role will be central to shaping the national conversation on engineering’s role in addressing global challenges and engaging with key stakeholders at the highest levels of government.

“Katherine brings deep operational experience, strategic leadership and an unshakable commitment to engineering excellence,” Aseervatham said.

“Her track record speaks for itself — from managing the safety and performance of a quarter of a million tons of naval shipping to setting the professional standards for more than 5000 engineers.”

Richards joins Engineers Australia after a 36-year career in the Royal Australian Navy, culminating in her promotion to Rear Admiral in 2020. She held several senior appointments, including Head Navy Engineering and Defence Seaworthiness Regulator.

Most recently, she led the design of a new, independent statutory regulator to oversee Australia’s AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine program. She retired from the Navy in 2024.

Aseervatham said her leadership across complex, high-stakes defence and nuclear programs made her uniquely qualified for the role.

“Katherine is widely respected not just within defence, but across government and industry. She’s been a trusted voice on the Radiation Health Council, the Nuclear Safety Committee, and now sits on the board of ANSTO,” he said. “She combines technical depth with strategic vision. That’s exactly what we need as we face growing national challenges, whether it’s energy, infrastructure, defence or sovereign capability.”

In recognition of her service, Richards was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross in 2014 and appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2021. She became an Honorary Fellow of Engineers Australia in 2024.

Richards said she looked forward to working with Engineers Australia and advocating for the profession.

“I feel deeply honoured to be able to represent our members and to work with so many talented people to address the challenges facing our nation,” she said. “I look forward to meeting our volunteers, members and partners in the weeks and months ahead.”