The Australian automotive industry discussed its exciting future on Tuesday, when the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries held its Annual General Meeting and Annual Dinner, in Melbourne.
Discussing the current policy environment, emerging issues and future technologies, representatives from across the industry discussed the challenging and important role the Australian automotive industry plays both locally and globally.
Noting the success of the AGM and Annual Dinner, FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said it was pleasing to see FCAI members engaging in discussion on key issues at the AGM, yesterday; and to see many government and other industry stakeholders continuing this theme, focusing on the future of the industry at the Annual Dinner.
“At the AGM, the FCAI elected the 2015 Board members, who will guide the FCAI through the next 12 months,” Mr Weber said.
“Dave Buttner, Martin Benders, Richard Emery, Horst von Sanden, Nick Senior and Robert Toscano were re-elected as directors.
“Graeme Whickman, Kevin McCann, Mark Bernhard, John Elsworth and Andrew Willis were elected as new directors.
“Each director is a prominent industry leader and the FCAI looks forward to working with the new Board and the entire FCAI membership to advance the interests of the Australian automotive industry.
“At a Board meeting yesterday afternoon, Dave Buttner was elected to be the new FCAI President. He takes over from Bob Graziano who recently retired from Ford Motor Company of Australia and the FCAI.
“Dave Buttner is the President of Toyota Australia and has served on the FCAI Board for the previous two-years. Dave is a long-standing member of the Australian Automotive industry, having begun his career with Toyota Australia in 1987.
“Richard Emery, Managing Director and CEO of Nissan Australia, and Mark Bernhard, Incoming Chairman and Managing Director of GM Holden were elected vice-presidents. Martin Benders, Managing Director of Mazda Australia was elected Treasurer.”
A full list of Board members and their titles is provided below.
At the AGM, the FCAI recognised the significant and invaluable contribution David Blackhall has made to the Australian automotive industry over many decades, by appointing him a Life Member of the FCAI.
“David was the Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Australia/Pacific for more than ten years and Director of the FCAI for eight years. As FCAI Director, David also held the roles of Vice-President and Treasurer, providing significant support to the Chamber,” Mr Weber said.
David Blackhall retired from Jaguar Land Rover this year, and yesterday’s AGM marked his final day as an FCAI Director.
At the FCAI Annual Dinner, FCAI committee members Ian Mearns and Tom White, both from Ford Motor Company of Australia, were recognised for their dedication to undertaking work in support of the industry, by being awarded FCAI Certificates of Appreciation.
2015 FCAI Board
PRESIDENT
Mr David Buttner
President
Toyota Motor Corporation of Australia
VICE PRESIDENT
Mr Mark Bernhard
Incoming Chairman and Managing Director
GM Holden
VICE PRESIDENT
Mr Richard Emery
Managing Director & CEO
Nissan Motor Co (Australia) Pty Ltd
TREASURER
Mr Martin Benders
Managing Director
Mazda Australia Pty Ltd
DIRECTOR
Mr Graeme Whickman
President & CEO
Ford Motor Company of Australia
DIRECTOR
Mr Robert Toscano
Managing Director
Honda Australia MPE Pty Ltd
DIRECTOR
Mr John Elsworth
Chief Operating Officer
Hyundai Motor Company Australia
DIRECTOR
Mr Horst von Sanden
President & CEO
Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific Pty Ltd
DIRECTOR
Mr Nick Senior
Managing Director
Subaru (Australia) Pty Limited
DIRECTOR
Mr Andrew Willis
Manager Government Affairs, Trade & Environment Policy
Toyota Motor Corporation of Australia
DIRECTOR
Mr Kevin McCann
Managing Director
Volvo Car Australia
SECRETARY
Mr Tony Weber
Chief Executive
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries