Motor industry chief changes gears

A NATIONAL hunt has begun for a new chief executive for the Australian automotive industry's peak body, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), after the resignation of Andrew McKellar.

Mr McKellar, who has helped to guide the political fortunes of the Canberra-based organisation for nine years, is set to take up a similar role with the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) – the peak body for Australia's state automobile clubs.

The move was formally announced at the FCAI's annual dinner last night in Canberra, where industry chiefs and federal industry minister Kim Carr paid tribute to Mr McKellar, saying he had made a major contribution to the industry in a time of great change.

FCAI board members say the management transition will not be rushed, even though the industry is still facing big issues such as the carbon tax, the introduction of new Euro 5 and 6 emissions regulations, possible compulsory CO2 restrictions and a stiffening of safety standards.

FCAI president and Holden chairman and CEO Mike Devereux told GoAuto that the board might consider making a temporary appointment to allow a thorough recruitment process to find the right person to fill the vacancy.

“Given the importance of the major issues the industry faces we want to make sure we get the new appointment right,” he said.

Left: FCAI president and Holden chairman and CEO Mike Devereux.



“If we find the right person, we will certainly move quickly, but what we are not going to do is quickly replace Andrew because we feel we need to replace him quickly.

“If we have to do something on an interim basis with an industry pro that might help us for a little while but who does not want to do the job long term, we could probably see that.” Mr Devereux, who was re-elected FCAI president for another term at yesterday’s annual general meeting in Canberra, praised Mr McKellar’s abilities, saying he combined a great knowledge of how Canberra worked with a passion for the automotive industry.

He said it would be tough to quickly find a person to take on the industry’s immediate challenges.

“It is frankly a tough job when you look at the challenges we have in the next couple of years, in what is a fractious political environment – a very, very unsettled political environment – whether it is carbon legislation, Euro 5/Euro6, mandatory C02, safety standards and harmonisation of safety standards across federal and state,” he said.

“We have probably got more issues right now in the near term on our plate than we had for many years.

“We are going to have to define those challenges and then figure out a job description for someone who could replace him.

“It is a huge task to replace the guy, but after eight, nine or ten years with one body in his role, it is probably time for him to move on, and we wish him well.

“But I certainly was not happy when he told me he was leaving. Not happy at all.” Mr Devereux said he expected an orderly transition, with some flexibility in Mr McKellar’s departure.

According to the AAA, Mr McKellar is due to take up his new role on August 1.

Mr McKellar told GoAuto that after 10 years with the FCAI, it was time to move on to a new challenge.

“I have enjoyed it tremendously, but I feel the time is right,” he said.

Mr McKellar said that among his most satisfying tasks during his FCAI tenure was contributing to the various motor industry reviews, working with the government on strategies for the future development of the industry.

He said he was looking forward to the challenge of working for one of Australia's leading consumer groups.

"AAA is well recognised for its ongoing advocacy on road safety, investment in roads and motorists' issues such as petrol pricing – I am looking forward to working to secure better outcomes on all these issues,” he said.

AAA president Raymond Grigg said the appointment would allow the AAA and its member clubs to make significant gains in the key areas of policy, advocacy and representation for increased investment in road infrastructure, better road safety programs and increasing driver training and education.

“His detailed knowledge and understanding of transport issues, the public sector and government will ensure AAA continues to develop the strong relationships we currently have with the Federal government and agencies," he said.

Mr McKellar replaced Peter Sturrock as FCAI chief executive in May 2007 after working under the former Subaru boss in Canberra for several years. Before that, he worked for several federal ministers At AAA, he fills the role vacated by Lauchlan McIntosh – a position held recently by acting executive director Greg Goodman.

AAA is the national organisation covering the state automobile clubs including the NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RACSA, RACWA, RACT and RACNT.