Firmus appoints three directors for AI infrastructure push
Firmus Technologies has appointed Lee Hatton, Christine Bartlett and Julie Shuttleworth as non-executive directors of Firmus Grid, expanding the board as it builds out its AI infrastructure business.
The three will take on committee and oversight roles across audit, risk, remuneration and nominations. Hatton will chair the Audit and Risk Committee, while Bartlett will chair the Remuneration and Nomination Committee.
The appointments are intended to add experience in governance, strategy, operations and major project delivery as Firmus grows its regional footprint. The company is focused on AI infrastructure, with an emphasis on energy efficiency and remote or complex operating environments.
Hatton brings more than two decades of experience across financial services, strategy and risk. She previously served on the board of Xero and has held executive roles at NAB, Suncorp, Afterpay and Block, where she currently leads global financial operations.
At Firmus Grid, she will oversee audit and risk matters at board level, experience that is expected to be relevant as the company adds infrastructure assets and expands operations.
"Firmus is building critical infrastructure for the AI era, and I'm excited to contribute. The intersection of AI innovation and energy efficiency aligns perfectly with my passion for building sustainable systems that have a strong purpose and create real economic value. I look forward to supporting the board's governance and risk oversight as Firmus expands," said Lee Hatton, non-executive director, Firmus Grid.
Bartlett joins with board and executive experience across property, information technology and finance. She is chair of NSW Ports and CEDA, and earlier in her career held chief executive and senior executive roles at IBM, National Australia Bank and Jones Lang LaSalle in Australia, the US and Japan.
At Firmus Grid, she will lead the board committee covering remuneration and nominations. Her background includes listed and private sector board roles, as well as work on strategy, innovation and complex projects.
"I am delighted to join the Board of Firmus at such a pivotal moment in the company's trajectory. I look forward to partnering with the Board and Management team to capitalise on the significant growth opportunities ahead, and I am confident that Firmus is well-positioned to deliver meaningful value to both local and international markets," said Bartlett.
Shuttleworth also joins as a non-executive director. She has more than 30 years of operational experience across mining, resources and energy, including senior leadership roles at Fortescue, where she served as deputy CEO and CEO of Fortescue Future Industries.
Her experience centres on large projects, industrial operations and energy transition initiatives, including work in remote locations. That background is likely to be relevant for a company developing infrastructure in demanding settings, where access to power, logistics and workforce can shape project economics.
AI infrastructure has become a closely watched segment as demand for computing capacity rises and operators seek sites with reliable power and room for expansion. In the region, board composition is increasingly tied to investor expectations around governance, project discipline and energy strategy.
Against that backdrop, Firmus has chosen directors whose careers span financial controls, board governance, major capital programs and operational delivery. The appointments also underscore the importance of combining technology sector experience with expertise from heavy industry and utilities as infrastructure groups respond to rising energy requirements.
"Firmus is at an exciting inflection point, and I'm energised by the opportunity to contribute to its next phase of growth. I look forward to supporting a future-focused business that combines strong execution with high-quality, energy-efficient infrastructure," said Shuttleworth.