Dr Chris Oughton

Chris’ career has traversed various sectors, from local government to private sector senior management, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of public service processes and governance. His journey has been enriched by opportunities for tertiary education, which have complemented his practical experience in roles spanning business development, corporate change, and strategic planning.

During his tenure as CEO of the Kwinana Industries Council (KIC) from 2007 until March 2024, Chris gained invaluable insights into broader industrial sector challenges and opportunities, particularly regarding collegiate approaches to decarbonisation initiatives. His pioneering research on the KIC4 method of evaluating the effectiveness of industrial areas, led to the publication of several papers, (links below) shedding light on key aspects of industrial precinct development and sustainability. These form the basis of his PhD thesis in Sustainable Engineering.

As a consultant, Chris leverages his expertise to drive positive change in industrial areas both nationally and internationally. Specialising in stakeholder engagement, collective industry policy or project development, supply chain and infrastructure assessment, Chris provides tailored solutions to support sustainable development within industrial precincts. With his sustainability consulting services, Chris assists organisations in integrating sustainable practices into their operations and long-term strategies, ensuring they are equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

A defining moment in Chris’ career came when he spoke at COP26, addressing the critical issue of Transitioning Industrial Clusters toward Net Zero. At this prestigious event, organized by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with Accenture and EPRI, Chris showcased his expertise and leadership in how to guide industrial clusters (as a collective of individual industries) towards industrial symbiosis and decarbonisation strategies. The initiative, launched alongside a group of global industrial clusters committed to achieving net zero emissions, highlighted Chris’s significant contributions to shaping a more sustainable future for industrial sectors worldwide.