Australian Data Centres names new CEO

Australian Data Centres (ADC) has appointed Mark Pont, Microsoft's international expansion lead of strategic missions and technologies, as its new CEO.

Prior to joining ADC, Pont had global responsibility for the site selection, design, delivery, and expansion of Microsoft Azure cloud region infrastructure, running multi-billion dollar programs that included the deployment of both hyperscale and edge data centres.

As part of this, he oversaw Microsoft’s $5 billion two-year investment in expanding its hyperscale cloud computing and AI infrastructure in Australia to enable government and business to seize opportunities in AI. 

In his new role, Pont has been charged with helping to significantly grow ADC’s Australian footprint outside Canberra by attracting new global customers and industry partners.

ADC executive chairman Rob Kelly said Pont's international and Australian credentials make him an ideal candidate to lead ADC’s next growth phase.

"He, supported by other yet to be announced highly credentialed members of his senior leadership team, will provide the industry capability and experience required to position ADC as a leader in specialised technical infrastructure and sovereign capability," he said.

Pont said he was attracted to ADC by its past achievements and what it could become.

“I saw an opportunity to join an agile, Australian organisation - one that is well positioned to respond to the rapidly evolving needs of AI and Hyperscale cloud technology providers," he said.

"With ADC's deep industry expertise and focus on sovereign ownership, it is positioned to deliver next-generation data centre services at scale to meet the significant market demand. As for what is next, it really is a matter of watching this space."