- New CEO appointed for the State’s ChemCentre
- Paul Nicholls appointed for a five-year term
- Government pays tribute to outgoing CEO Peter McCafferty
The Cook Government has announced the appointment of Paul Nicholls as the new Chief Executive Officer at the State’s ChemCentre.
Science Minister Stephen Dawson welcomed the appointment of the new CEO for a five-year term and commended the outgoing CEO, Peter McCafferty, who is retiring after 32 years of service to ChemCentre.
ChemCentre is the State Government’s chemical and forensic science service provider, based in Bentley.
The Public Sector Commission ran a national recruitment process with a selection panel chaired by WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch APM, and including ChemCentre Board Chair Tress Walmsley and representatives from the Department of Jobs, Science Tourism and Innovation and PathWest.
Mr Nicholls is currently at Curtin University’s Centre for Crop and Disease Management and has previously held Executive Director and Director roles at the University of Queensland, Curtin University, the Pawsey Supercomputing Centre and Scitech.
Mr Nicholls holds a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Neuroanatomy, and a Graduate Diploma in Education, Science and Computing from the University of Western Australia. He is a Fellow of Leadership WA and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
The appointment of Mr Nicholls to the CEO role brings a close 32 years of service to the ChemCentre by current CEO Peter McCafferty, who was first appointed Acting CEO in 2017, and then CEO in 2019.
Mr McCafferty has worked at the ChemCentre since 1992, including as the Director of the Scientific Services Division, and previously worked in the resources sector as a chemist.
As stated by Science Minister Stephen Dawson:
“I look forward to working with Mr Nicholls as he continues the vital scientific services and world leading research that is being done by ChemCentre here in Western Australia.
“ChemCentre is known for its proud history of service, integrity and performance, not just in WA, but around the world – and I know Paul, with his extensive background in the science and innovation sectors, will continue that legacy.
“On behalf of the Cook Government, I also want to pay tribute and congratulate Peter McCafferty on his lifetime of service to ChemCentre.
“Mr McCafferty has played a key role in the State’s science sector and in helping to safeguard the community, industry and the environment through the work of ChemCentre.”
As stated by ChemCentre Board Chair Tress Walmsley:
“The appointment of Mr Nicholls opens a new chapter for the ChemCentre, and the Board is looking forward to working with him to grow and evolve the ChemCentre and ensuring we continue to deliver value to the State and meet our customer’s needs.
“The Board acknowledges and appreciates the significant contributions that Mr McCafferty has made to the ChemCentre. His technical excellence and leadership have enabled the ChemCentre to become highly regarded for its specialised chemical and forensic services.”
