Crusan succeeds Leanne Cunnold who is retiring after serving as the organisation’s inaugural CEO since its establishment. A globally recognised technology leader, Crusan brings more than 25 years of experience across the space and energy sectors.
At Woodside Energy, he served as vice president for technology and new energy, where he oversaw global technology deployment across oil and gas operations, hydrogen and ammonia value chains, and carbon capture and utilisation initiatives.
Before joining Woodside, Crusan held several senior roles at NASA, including director of advanced exploration systems and chief technologist for space operations. During his tenure, he led technology partnerships that delivered pioneering lunar and Martian missions, advanced human spaceflight systems, and developed in-space manufacturing and commercial module capabilities for the International Space Station.
He also spearheaded NASA’s Lunar Gateway strategy and human lunar return architecture under the Artemis Program and established the US government’s Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation, driving open innovation and crowdsourcing across multiple agencies.
Founded in 2020, AROSE is an industry-led, not-for-profit consortium dedicated to harnessing Australia’s world-class expertise in remote operations to support both terrestrial and off-Earth industries.
The organisation was co-founded by astronaut and former NASA deputy administrator Colonel (Ret’d) Pamela Melroy and Russell Potapinski, former head of intelligent and autonomous systems at Woodside.
AROSE chair Deena Shiff said Crusan’s extensive background made him the ideal candidate to lead the organisation into its next phase, “Jason is an ideal leader to realise AROSE’s ambition of scaling up Australian innovation that’s relevant both in space and on Earth,” Shiff said.
“The board is deeply grateful to Leanne for her outstanding leadership in establishing AROSE and building its global reputation over the past five years. It’s on that foundation that AROSE will continue to grow and commercialise cutting-edge remote operations technologies.”
Reflecting on her time as CEO, Cunnold said it had been a privilege to lead AROSE through its formative years, “The success of AROSE has been built on collaboration,” she said. “I want to thank our dedicated team, members and partners for helping turn our co-founders’ vision into reality.”
Crusan said he was honoured to take on the role at such an exciting time for Australia’s space and technology industries, “AROSE uniquely bridges Earth and space – connecting Australia’s deep operational expertise in energy and resources with the challenges of sustainable exploration beyond our planet,” he said.
“Our next chapter is about translating Australia’s remote operations leadership into global commercial advantage – creating new industries, partnerships and opportunities that benefit life on Earth and beyond,” Crusan added.