Peter Laver AM FTSE has been an integral part of ATSE’s progress as a modern Academy. A previous Vice President, Peter played a leading role in developing the agile and future-focused Board and Assembly structure that exist today, which pays respect to the Academy’s origins and traditions. After his tenure as Vice President, he became a Senior Advisor to the Academy and has contributed to several Strategic Plans, policy documents, submissions and Government Inquiries. 

Peter was elected in 1992 in recognition of his dedication to fostering industry and academic collaboration through his various managerial roles at BHP over 40 years. He has held many positions as chair and advisor. In 2005, he received a Member of the Order of Australia for service to Industry, Tertiary education and training, and Science and Technology. 

Mr Laver has played a leading role in technology and research through senior managerial positions he has held with BHP. Currently he is Corporate General Manager Technology & Development and is responsible for all corporate research activities involving two laboratories, a staff of 450 and an annual operating budget of $45M.

Previously he has held positions at BHP such as General Manager Transport, General Manager Steel Group and General Manager of Mt Newman Mining.
In all his positions he has given particular encouragement to interactions between research and operations on the one hand and between industry and academic institutions on the other.

Mr Laver has also chaired or been a member of many advisory bodies to government. Currently he is Chair of the National Board of Employment, Education & Training, Director of the Wool Research & Development Corporation and a member of the Australian Science & Technology Council.