Western Sydney University Chief Information and Digital Officer, and CAUDIT NSW Chair Kerry Holling mused “Intersect is a unique and vital piece of the Australian research landscape. Members like Western depend on it for essential eResearch services through non-traditional delivery vectors. Marc understands the value of mutually beneficial negotiations, has seized every opportunity to increase yield, and set a very high bar for customer service. Our commitment to Intersect will endure, though we will miss his innovative approach.”
Professor Wainwright added “During Marc’s tenure Intersect private sector engagement has flourished with partnerships and projects with Platform9, AWS, Google, Microsoft, Macquarie Cloud Services, Hitachi Data Systems, HPE and Dell Computer. Governmental and NGO relationships have expanded or strengthened with sixteen Government entities, AARNet, NCI, the AAF, ARDC and CAUDIT. Our strong and growing University Member base may rest assured that commitment to and momentum of broadening and deepening of these relationships will continue even as we bid a fond farewell to Marc”.
As to what’s next for Bailey, he says he has a deck to paint, a family vacation to take, then ‘watch this space’ in 2020. In considering the decision he reflected “In 2014 we set out on what I imagined would be a three year mission for scientists and researchers. Before I blinked almost six had flown by. Our company is in an excellent financial and strategic position so the time is right for me to pass the baton with confidence.”
He will formally conclude his role by Christmas though will be retained in an offline advisory capacity to the Chair. The Board is appointing an interim CEO and will begin an executive search for a replacement in 2020.