Ian Farrar has a distinguished career in senior management in CSIRO and the coal industry. He has a Bachelor of Commerce from ANU.

From 2002 until his retirement in 2005 he was Managing Director/CEO of Coal Services Pty Limited (CSPL), Coal Mines Insurance Pty Limited (CMI) and Mines Rescue Pty Limited, as well as Chairman of Coal Services Health and Safety Trust and Injury Prevention and Control Australia Limited.

From 1992-2002 he was Chairman/CEO of the Joint Coal Board, Coal Mines Insurance Pty Limited and the Joint Coal Board Health and Safety Trust

From 1964 to 1992 he held a range of senior management position within CSIRO, including General Manager (Corporate Resources) and Senior Principal Advisor (Special Projects).