Infrastructure Australia is in the market for its first CEO.

IA Chairman, Mark Birrell, said the new Chief Executive would have the opportunity to help shape the nation's infrastructure future.

Infrastructure Australia is an independent statutory body that provides expert advice to governments on major infrastructure projects and policy across Australia.

As a result of recent legislative reforms, an independent Board has been established to oversee the body and it will now appoint IA's first Chief Executive Officer.

“IA has a mandate to prioritise and progress nationally significant infrastructure projects, s our new CEO will have a vital and highly significant role to play,” Mr Birrell said.

“The Chief Executive Officer will lead the organisation and work with the newly appointed Board to deliver authoritative and strategic advice to stakeholders”.

Infrastructure Australia was recently commissioned by the Australian Government to develop a 15-year Plan on Australia's current and future infrastructure needs. It will advise on means of financing, delivering and operating infrastructure; and ideas for better planning and utilising infrastructure networks.

“Infrastructure Australia has been tasked to lead a reform process and be the key source of research and advice on national infrastructure.

“We have been very fortunate to have the expertise of John Fitzgerald as acting CEO over recent months, working on initiatives that include our current Audit of national infrastructure needs. John has advised that he will not be a candidate for the permanent position”.

Executive recruitment firm, Korn Ferry has been engaged to oversee the search for candidates for the Chief Executive Officer role. Korn Ferry will advertise the position in national press tomorrow.