New CEO for ATA

The Chair of the Australian Trucking Association (ATA), Noelene Watson, has announced the appointment of Chris Melham (pictured) as the next Chief Executive Officer of the ATA.

Mr Melham will take over the role early next year, following the impending retirement of long serving CEO Stuart St Clair.

Mrs Watson said there were more than 50 applicants for the position.

"The Board nominations committee was thrilled with the standard of applicants we received for this role," she said. 

"This is testament to the high respect held for the ATA in Canberra. The recommendation was unanimous, and was approved by the full ATA board at its meeting today.

"Chris Melham has been the CEO for the National Road Transport Association for the past three years, and builds on a successful career of industry advocacy spanning more than 25 years. The ATA Board welcomes him to the position, and we look forward to working with Chris in the future."

Current CEO Stuart St Clair said the appointment would enable the ATA to continue its high level of advocacy and take its operations to a new level.

"Chris Melham’s experience, professionalism and drive will enable the ATA to provide the leadership the industry needs," he said.

"I’m proud to have served the ATA and the trucking industry for the past nine years as CEO, and to leave the ATA in a strong position. I know Chris will do a great job, and I wish him all the best in the role.”

The Chief Executive of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Sal Petroccitto, has congratulated Mr Melham on his latest appointment.

"As CEO for the National Road Transport Association, Chris has worked closely with the NHVR over the past three years, advocating for change and the best outcome for Natroads members," he said.

"Chris was also one of the first industry advocates to publicly state his commitment and support for the NHVR during the challenging times following the commencement of the Heavy Vehicle National Law earlier this year.

"He could see that transport reform is a whole-of-industry effort and requires collaboration across all tiers of government.

"I’m sure Chris will bring the same dedication, drive and enthusiasm for practical transport reform to his new role next year and form a great partnership with ATA Chair, Noelene Watson. 

"I’d also like to personally thank current ATA CEO, Stuart St Clair, for his leadership and service to the trucking industry over the past nine years."

Mr St Clair was appointed Chief Executive of the ATA in March 2006, and announced his impending retirement in June this year. He will officially hand over the role to Mr Melham at the Trucking Australia 2015 conference in Hobart on March 19-21.