Chris Hancock was appointed chief executive officer of AARNet Pty Ltd in 2004. Chris has had more than 25 years' experience in senior leadership and executive positions, with the last 15 years in the media and telecommunications sectors.

As the CEO of AARNet, Australia's Research and Education Network, Chris was responsible for the implementation of AARNet 3, Australia's next-generation research and education network, providing high-capacity bandwidth and leading-edge applications to the research and education sector throughout Australia.

The AARNet network serves more than 1 million end users and enables academics, researchers, and students throughout Australia. Under Chris' leadership, AARNet has developed one of the largest network footprints in the world, connecting 19 points of presence across 8,000 kilometers of fibre.

Chris joined AARNet from Optus, where he held several key executive positions since 1998. He was managing director for Optus Wholesale and managing director for Optus Business. Chris was an integral member of the senior executive team that completed the initial public offering, as well as the eventual sale of Optus to Singtel.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts (Social Science) degree from Charles Sturt University and an Executive MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management. He is also chairman of the Internet Industry Association of Australia and holds board director positions with Charles Sturt University, Starlight Foundation of NSW, Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre, and AARNet.