InnovationAus has appointed highly-regarded journalist, editor and broadcaster Ben Grubb as its new editor to run day-to-day news operation, build readership across the innovation ecosystem and assist in the development of new commercial products.
Grubb, who will join the InnovationAus team in August, has worked most recently as a home page and breaking news editor at Nine’s Sydney Morning Herald.
Ben Grubb is also a regular technology commentator on TV and radio.
InnovationAus welcomes Ben Grubb
Denham Sadler has also been promoted to National Affairs Editor with primary responsibility for the site’s coverage of federal government policy as it relates to technology and innovation.
Having recently gained Federal Parliament Press Gallery accreditation, Denham will be spending parliamentary sitting weeks in Canberra as part of his new role.
James Riley remains Editorial Director, writing columns and features on tech policy, from government procurement and R&D tax incentives to skilled migration, cyber security and future industries. He also produces and hosts the Commercial Disco(very) podcast.
InnovationAus publisher Corrie McLeod said, “Grubb’s appointment is a watershed moment and a doubling-down of a commitment to quality reporting and valuable insights.”
“Ben is known as an outstanding reporter and editor and is hugely respected in the technology sector. We could not be more pleased that he agreed to come on board and will play a huge role in building the InnovationAus platform,” Ms McLeod said.
“In addition to his old-school journalism pedigree, Ben brings an array of digital skills and online publishing experience to build our audience and create value for our readers.”
“In a changing media landscape, we have always tried to maintain a clear view of what quality looks like in our sector. Ben’s appointment should send a clear signal that we are strengthening our investment in that core value.”
Ben Grubb’s experience prior to InnovationAus
Grubb has a rich background in local technology media and has held roles at various times with Sydney Morning Herald, news.com.au, iTnews, ZDNet, Crikey and Telecom Times.
“Significant changes to our way of life are occurring through the use of technology during the pandemic but few titles are covering this better than InnovationAus,” said Grubb.
“As government, industry and society race to stay on top of where technology will take us next, our aim will be to keep readers informed of the successes and failures through factual, sensible and balanced coverage.”
“In addition to editing the site, I will write and touch on topics that include cyber security, national security, encryption and privacy, telecommunications and the National Broadband Network, space and earth observation, startups, and drones.”
InnovationAus founding editor, James Riley, recalls Ben Grubb’s arrest at the AusCERT conference in Queensland years ago for his story on Facebook’s privacy vulnerabilities.
“Queensland Police demanded that he hand over his iPad and all of its data – which he refused to do so without a fight and called the Fairfax lawyers instead,” said Riley.
“I remember being very impressed that such a young journalist stood his ground. I am delighted that Ben joins InnovationAus, and am looking forward to moving mountains.”
“InnovationAus has grown dramatically from launching as a very modest weekly newsletter with one full-time staff. Interest in innovation policy has burgeoned and continues to do so as Australia looks to create opportunities in new industries for economic prosperity.”
“With Senior Reporter Joseph Brookes, National Affairs Editor Denham Sadler and now Editor Ben Grubb, we have an experienced team, and an outstanding roster of contributors.”
