Liquid founder Michael Burke passes on baton to Fiona Armstrong

17 April 2024 Consultancy.com.au

Design and digital consultancy Liquid has promoted Fiona Armstrong to Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with the company’s founder, Michael Burke, making the transition to Executive Chair. 

Established 25 years ago, Liquid brings together strategic design, technology and human interaction capabilities to help organisations in the public sector (mainly public service, healthcare and education) develop digital solutions and improve their social outcomes.

Under the leadership of founder Michael Burke, Liquid has grown into an award-winning consulting firm with around 70 staff across offices in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney.

Liquid founder Michael Burke passes on baton to Fiona Armstrong

Michael Burke and Fiona Armstrong

“Over the last 25 years we’ve delivered trusted digital solutions that improve social outcomes in aged care, mental health, education and other public services. During that time, we’ve evolved and adapted to leverage new technologies and respond to changing customer needs, and this change marks the next stage in our evolution,” Burke said.

As the firm embarks on what Burke describes as “its next phase of growth”, the founder is now moving into a chair role, handing over his executive duties to Fiona Armstrong.

Armstrong has been with Liquid for six years, following two decades in senior public service positions leading major reform in the UK and Australia. “Since joining she’s led our largest client teams to deliver major complex strategic change, leveraging her deep understanding of the challenges of government reform and how to navigate it,” said Burke.

“Her leadership expertise, track record in innovation and deep connection with our customers makes her the ideal CEO for the next phase of growth at Liquid.”

Commenting on her appointment, Armstrong said: “The team at Liquid have always punched above their weight. Their creativity, innovation and commitment to delivering social good was what attracted me to join the team and why it’s an honour to be asked to lead the team.”