ACS president Beau Tydd said the appointment provides stability and continuity at a pivotal time for both the organisation and the broader technology profession.

“Prins brings a rare combination of member insight, organisational leadership, and strategic clarity,” Tydd said.

“As a long-time ACS member and former president, he understands the value ACS provides and the expectations of our members. Combined with his experience leading complex organisations, Prins is well placed to strengthen ACS’s impact and ensure we remain focused on delivering meaningful value for members and the profession.”

Tydd said the board was confident Ralston could guide the ACS through its next phase.

Ralston said he was honoured to take on the role and looked forward to working with members, industry, and government to strengthen the country’s technology ecosystem.

“ACS has played an important role throughout my professional life, and I understand firsthand the value of belonging to a community that supports, represents, and advances the technology profession,” Ralston said.

“Our focus now is on delivering greater value for members, supporting professional recognition and capability, and helping Australia build the technology workforce and leadership it needs for the future.”

Before joining ACS, Ralston served as chief executive of Townsville City Council, where he oversaw a major organisational transformation and managed an annual operating budget approaching $1 billion.