Chris Oughton’s career has traversed various sectors, from local government to private sector senior management, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of public service processes and governance. His journey has been enriched by opportunities for tertiary education, which have complemented his practical experience in roles spanning business development, corporate change, and strategic planning. During his tenure as CEO of the Kwinana Industries Council (KIC) from 2007 until March 2024, Chris gained invaluable insights into broader industrial sector challenges and opportunities, particularly regarding collegiate approaches to decarbonisation initiatives. His pioneering research on the KIC4 method of evaluating the effectiveness of industrial areas, led to the publication of several papers, shedding light on key aspects of industrial precinct development and sustainability. These form the basis of his PhD thesis in Sustainable Engineering.