SYDNEY Chris Hancock AM, former CEO of AARNet, has been awarded the prestigious Communications Ambassador title at the 2025 Telecommunications Industry Excellence (TIE) Awards. The accolade recognises Mr Hancock's significant and enduring contributions to the telecommunications industry over three decades.

The award was presented at the 19th Annual TIE Awards Dinner in Sydney, an event where the Communications Alliance also unveiled its new identity as the Australian Telecommunications Alliance (ATA).

Luke Coleman, CEO of the Australian Telecommunications Alliance, praised Mr Hancock, saying, “Chris Hancock AM is one of the telecommunications industry’s enduring figures, having spent more than two decades at the helm of AARNet – Australia's national research and education network”.

“Mr Hancock’s leadership saw AARNet substantially grow the size and capacity of its network and operations. From AARNet’s beginnings in 1989 as a pioneer of the internet in Australia, AARNet today is firmly established as one of the world’s leading academic and research networks,” he said.

“Chris Hancock has been a figure of great substance in our industry for thirty years, and following his recently departure from AARNet he is a fitting winner of this year’s Communications Ambassador award,” Mr Coleman added.

Under Chris's leadership, AARNet grew from 7 employees and approximately $100,000 cash at bank to 250 employees across Australia with offices in 5 states, an annual turnover exceeding $100 million, cash at bank of $170 million, and total assets exceeding $500 million. He oversaw the development and ownership of over 22,000 kilometres of fibre infrastructure, as well as the construction and ownership of two separate undersea cable systems from Sydney to Guam and from Sydney to Perth/Singapore.

Prior to his leadership at AARNet, which began in 2004, Mr Hancock served as Managing Director of Optus Business and Optus Wholesale from 1998 to 2004. He also held senior executive positions at Vodafone Australia from 1996-1998 and the Seven Network from 1993-1996.

Mr Hancock said, "Just a few weeks after closing the AARNet chapter, and another unexpected honour. I am very humbled to have received the Communications Industry Ambassador Award at the 2025 Telecommunications Industry Excellence Awards. To be recognised twice in just a few months, first by CommsDay, and now by Communications Alliance, is something I never ever imagined.”

“I’ve always believed that if you focus on the work and surround yourself with great people, the rest will take care of itself. This award is a tribute to the entire AARNet team and to the many individuals and organisations I’ve had the privilege to work with over the past three decades.

“Our shared mission to strengthen connectivity, collaboration and innovation across Australia’s research and education sectors has been the real reward. My sincere thanks to the Australian Telecommunications Alliance and everyone involved in the TIE Awards. It was a special night and a meaningful way to reflect on what has been a truly rewarding journey."

The Communications Ambassador award is the telecommunications industry’s most prestigious individual accolade.

About Chris Hancock AM

Chris Hancock AM is a highly respected figure in the Australian telecommunications industry with a career spanning over 30 years. He is best known for his more than two decades as CEO of AARNet, Australia's national research and education network, where he significantly expanded its network and operations, cementing its status as a leading global academic and research network. His career also includes leadership roles at Optus Business, Optus Wholesale , Vodafone Australia , and the Seven Network. He has also contributed at board level, serving as a Director on numerous boards, including the Australian American Leadership Dialogue and as Chair of the Internet Industry Association.