People

Director and Consultant

Emma Needham is a senior executive with more than 20 years’ experience in corporate affairs working across the private, government and not-for-profit sectors in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Asia, the Middle East, North America, and Europe.

Having worked at the highest levels of government and as an executive in a FTSE 100 servicing diverse industries, Emma established Emma Needham Corporate Affairs in mid-2014, rebranding to Xtal Advisory in 2018.

From 2008 – 2014, Emma was the Director of Corporate Affairs for a FTSE 100 company where she established and led the Corporate Affairs Division across Australasia, Asia and the Middle East.

From 2001 – 2007, Emma held advisory positions with senior Federal Government Ministers in the portfolios of employment and workplace relations, human services, and health and ageing, in addition to a Public Affairs role in the Australian Public Service covering key government health programs.

Emma's career began with an international non-government agency where she delivered a global leadership program across North America, Europe and Asia.

Emma holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Sydney and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Canberra. She is a graduate and member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a certified organisational coach (level 1) through the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership, and an accredited trainer and assessor.

Emma has participated in some of the world’s most notable leadership programmes, including CSCLeaders – the renewal of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Study Conferences – a global leadership program for 120 exceptional senior leaders selected each year from government, business and NGOs across the 53 countries of the Commonwealth.

Director and Consultant

Michael’s early career as a research scientist spanned the fields of physics, material science, chemical engineering and nanotechnology. His research provided significant new insights into the growth and properties of metal nanoparticles and their application both in cancer therapeutics and, working with industrial partner Johnson Matthey Plc, as catalysts for hydrogenation reactions, hydrogen fuel cells and other clean energy applications.

Following a decade in science and academia, Michael joined Emma Needham Consulting in early 2018 to launch Xtal Advisory. Michael distils complex technical information and data to engage diverse audiences, from subject matter experts to decision makers in business and government to consumers and communities.

As a Director and Consultant with Xtal, Michael has successfully drawn upon his skills in strategic analysis, problem-solving and communication to develop and implement impactful communication and business development strategies for Xtal’s clients, including white papers, public policy, parliamentary and government submissions, thought leadership and risk analysis.

Michael is leading Xtal’s entry into the decarbonisation sector, leveraging his scientific background and deep knowledge in materials science, clean energy solutions and the emerging hydrogen economy, as well as the Company’s strong track record of engaging audiences and markets to bring new ideas, products and services to the world.

Michael has a Bachelor of Science and Ph.D. (Physics) from the University of York, UK and a post-doctoral research fellowship in materials science and engineering from Monash University, Australia. He will complete the Stanford Innovation and Entrepreneurship Professional Certificate from Stanford University, Graduate School of Business in 2022.