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Queensland Appoints Adam Smith Interim Chief Information Security Officer

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Queensland Appoints Adam Smith as Interim Chief Information Security Officer

Business Honor
20 June, 2025

Queensland government appoints Adam Smith as interim Chief Information Security Officer following Rob Champion's retirement.

The Queensland government has named Adam Smith the interim Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), replacing retiring Rob Champion, who had held the position for seven years. Smith, a former Deputy CISO, will fill the interim position as the state builds on its cybersecurity initiative.

Champion's retirement signals the conclusion of an illustrious career, throughout which he played a key role in shaping Queensland's cyber security environment. Champion, who initially joined the Queensland government in 1991, has contributed highly, serving as executive director of the cyber security unit for more than four years. He also retained several critical security positions on government online portals, technology solutions provider CITEC, and even in the United Kingdom with Harvey Nichols, a high-end department store.

In a LinkedIn update, Champion confirmed he was leaving by saying, "It has been a privilege to serve in this role for the last seven years, and I thank all the team members, colleagues, and collaborators that have made it a great journey." He further highlighted Queensland's readiness for increased cybersecurity threats, saying, "We have assembled a great team of security stakeholders throughout Queensland government, and we all have a role to play.

Smith, who is an experienced cybersecurity expert, will now spearhead the state's cybersecurity efforts at this time of transition. His extensive knowledge of Queensland's cyber infrastructure and his familiarity with working with Champion position him to take the government through the changing cyber threat environment.

A Queensland Department of Customer Services, Open Data, and Small and Family Business spokesperson confirmed Smith's appointment to iTnews, providing continuity in leadership as the state's cybersecurity efforts are at this critical stage.