On behalf of the AELERT National council, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Adam Slater as AELERT’s new chief executive officer set to commence in March 2026.

Adam brings a wealth of experience in regulatory policy, environmental governance, and professional development. He will be joining the AELERT team from his role as Director of The Professional Regulator programme: a highly regarded development initiative led by ANZSOG, the School of Regulation and Global Governance, and the National Regulators Community of Practice (NRCoP) – one of AELERT’s partner organisations.

On accepting the role, Adam shares his vision for the future of AELERT: “I’m excited to accept this inspiring role with AELERT. I look forward to building upon the strong foundation of this network and I my vision is of a financially sustainable, professional network that delivers innovative products and services, fosters the exchange of best practices through community and close relationships with members, and supports their ongoing development to become more capable regulators. I see AELERT continuing to operate as a hub for collaboration, connection, learning, innovation and regulatory excellence.”

Adam is currently defending his PhD at the Auckland University of Technology, where his research will contribute to the understanding of collaborative approaches to fisheries management, regulatory design approaches globally and strengthening the evidence base of the New Zealand surf clam fishery. In addition, he also serves as a Visiting Fellow at the Australian National University’s School of Regulation and Global Governance (RegNet), where he contributes to thought leadership in regulatory practice and reform.

Currently based in Auckland, New Zealand, Adam has held key roles in the Ministry for Regulation, the Ministry for the Environment and the Ministry for Primary Industries within the New Zealand Government. His work has focused on regulatory design, impact analysis, policy development, and cross-sector collaboration – skills that will be invaluable to AELERT as we continue to evolve and grow as a leading network for regulators across Australasia.

Adam’s understanding of the regulatory landscape in Australia and New Zealand and his strategic insight will be great assets in setting a clear vision for the future of AELERT and ensuring tangible and lasting benefits for members.

Please join us in warmly welcoming Adam Slater to the AELERT network, we look forward to working together under his leadership to advance our shared mission to foster world-class regulatory practice for members through effective collaboration, innovation and forward thinking regulation.

Connect with Adam via LinkedIn or email at adam.slater@anu.edu.au, any other enquiries can be directed to the AELERT Leadership Team.