Asset Institute – New Chief Executive Officer

We are pleased to announce that Associate Professor Michael Cholette of Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has been appointed as the next Chief Executive Officer of the Asset Institute, commencing in early 2026. Michael has been a valued contributor throughout our shared journey—from the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Infrastructure and Engineering Asset Management to the formative years of the Institute—and now steps into this leadership role with deep experience and vision.

Internationally recognised in Engineering Asset Management (EAM), Michael has authored over 60 peer-reviewed publications and received two Best Paper awards at the World Congress on Engineering Asset Management (WCEAM). As Chief Investigator, he has led major Australian Research Council (ARC) and industry-funded projects across rail, defence, renewable energy, and sugar milling. His leadership in the operation and maintenance of concentrated solar power assets—through the Australian Solar Thermal Research Institute and United States Department of Energy collaborations—has earned global acclaim.

Michael brings a strong track record of partnership-building across industry, government, and academia, and has delivered invited seminars to Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board, Sugar Research Australia, and the Asset Institute. He has secured significant funding through ARC Linkages and Research Hubs, shaped strategic research directions, and led curriculum development in EAM and renewable energy at QUT. As Academic Lead at the Faculty’s Higher Degrees Research Program, he has championed student wellbeing, scholarship allocation, and industry engagement.

With a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and a strong track record in academic governance, Michael brings a rare blend of research excellence and real-world impact. We are delighted to welcome him as CEO Designate and look forward to the insight, continuity, and collaborative leadership he will contribute to the Institute’s next chapter.

The Board and membership of the Asset Institute also take this opportunity to acknowledge the significant contribution to the Institute from the departing CEO Professor Joseph Mathew. Joe has steered the Asset Institute since its inception and was largely responsible originally for its birth as the CEO of the preceding CRC.  He leaves with all of our thanks and best wishes for a long and happy retirement.