Grok Academy names former CBA exec, Martha McKeen, as chief strategy officer

Schools-focused digital skills e-learning platform in Grok Academy has appointed Martha McKeen to a new role as chief strategy officer.

Grok Academy is a not-for-profit edtech charity focused on digital technologies education.

CEO Dr James Curran said McKeen’s breadth of experience across education, technology, and cyber security portfolios at the Commonwealth Bank, including working with Grok Academy as an industry partner to launch the Schools Cyber Security Challenges initiative, made her an ideal choice.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Martha to the role of Chief Strategy Officer where she will be instrumental in supporting Grok through its current growth phase and scale our business to address the nation’s ongoing digital technology skills shortage,” he said.

“Her experience at CBA gives her a first-hand industry perspective and that is invaluable as we seek to build more partnerships with Australia’s biggest tech and business brands,” said Curran.

McKeen said she wants to see more kids choosing careers in computer science and adjacent fields. She joined Grok Academy in November and is based in Sydney.

“I’m passionate about supporting Australia’s next generation of students to pursue their dreams and recognise technology is an increasingly important part of their lives and future careers,” she said.

“This role at Grok Academy allows me to amplify the impact I had at CBA in terms of addressing the digital technologies skills shortages. As a former industry partner, I was involved in helping to increase access to Grok’s e-learning platform, co-create relevant and engaging content, and showcase the exciting and lucrative roles available in tech.”

McKeen plans to bring a three-pronged strategy to Grok Academy’s vision: from strengthening its industry partnership to co-create more learning content to increasing the footprint and impact of programs such as the Schools Cyber Security Challenges and finally, enhanceing product innovation at Grok to provide tailored, interactive learning experiences that inspire teachers and students.

In 2023, 209,000 Australian students and 6,000 teachers in 3,400 schools used Grok Academy’s classroom-ready online resources.

Dr Curran said: “We want educators to be armed with the best tools and resources so that they can equip the workforce of the future to be part of a thriving digital economy. Martha will be pivotal to helping us scale and achieve our ambitious goals.”