Mark Bowles is an economist and executive with over 25 years’ experience leading industry and workforce development, public policy, and business advisory services.
He is currently Dean and Head of the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics at the University of Tasmania, where he provides academic and strategic leadership for the School’s portfolio of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research activities. He is also co-lead of the University’s Tasmanian Transitions 2050 productivity theme.
Prior to joining the University in 2025, Mark was CEO of Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania, with responsibility for facilitating Tasmania’s energy transformation, future industries, and whole-of-state responses to climate change.
Between 2021 and 2024, as Deputy Secretary Business and Jobs at the Department of State Growth, he led programs and policy for multiple Ministerial portfolios, including Advanced Manufacturing, Antarctic, Resources, Science and Technology, Skills and Jobs, Small Business, Tourism, Hospitality and International Trade.
In 2019, he served as Interim CEO of Brand Tasmania, Australia’s first statutory place-branding authority.
Prior to joining the Tasmanian Government, Mark was Chief Economist of the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and a Research Analyst with KPMG and IBISWorld.
Mark is a qualified trainer in leadership and management, and started his career in the training media sector, working with universities, businesses, and governments internationally.
Board positions include the University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, TasTAFE’s Drysdale Hospitality School, Brand Tasmania, and start-up Newline Economy Pty Ltd.