On the Couch with Adam Reid

Adam has over 20 years’ experience in the South Australian public sector in industry, science and innovation policy and program delivery.

Adam was the Chief Executive of the previous iteration of DSD, the Department for Industry, Innovation and Science, responsible for supporting sustainable economic growth through research and innovation, technology development, industry and business growth, manufacturing capability and skilled and business migration.

Previously, Adam held executive positions within the Department of State Development and Department of Trade and Economic Development, where he led industry development policy and strategy implementation, and small business and investment management. In other previous roles, Adam led the development of the South Australia’s manufacturing strategy, the purchase and planning of the Tonsley Innovation District, investments in strategic research infrastructure and capabilities and the transition of the state’s automotive supply chain.

Adam holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Adelaide. Adam was awarded the Public Service Medal on 26 January 2025 for ‘Outstanding public service in industry development and economic growth’.

Prior to becoming the Chief Executive, Adam was the Executive Director of the Innovation and Science division within the Department for Innovation and Skills, responsible for developing and supporting the state’s innovation system to drive economic growth.

Previously Adam held executive positions within the Department of State Development and Department of Trade and Economic Development, where he led industry development policy and strategy implementation, small business and investment management. In his previous roles Adam led the development of the South Australia’s manufacturing strategy, the purchase and planning of the Tonsley Innovation District, investments in strategic research infrastructure and capabilities and the transition of the state’s automotive supply chain.

Adam holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Adelaide.

Appointed on 1 July 2014, Commissioner for Public Sector Employment Erma Ranieri works passionately towards creating a world-leading public sector that serves South Australians well, does what it says it will do, and to which every public servant is proud to belong.

With the role of the public sector being to serve and support South Australia to thrive, Erma leads sector-wide reform to modernise the public sector and continue to build on its value and service to the South Australian community.

Erma has worked for more than 30 years to help organisations optimise productivity and employee wellbeing. She was named a 2014 Telstra Business Woman of the Year as SA Winner of the Telstra Community and Government Award for her role in leading transformational change throughout the public sector.

With a key focus on flexibility, diversity and leadership development to ensure the public sector is positioned as an employer of choice, Erma continues to challenge cultural and structural barriers to drive innovative, collaborative and connected services for the community.