New Chamber CEO

The Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce and Industry has recently completed a CEO recruitment exercise and is pleased to announce that local businessman Mark Seaward has been appointed to this key role. Mark has most recently been working out of Perth in a management role with ISA Technologies and was previously General Manager, South West Region with the same company. He will commence as Chamber CEO in early February with an initial focus to support the Chamber Executive and members in developing a new Strategic Plan for the organisation.Chamber President David Kerr announced that “the Chamber received over 30 applications for the role, with 12 applicants proceeding to interview and 4 progressing to a second interview where they were challenged to present a vision and key strategies for the future development of the Chamber. The four person panel were unanimous in their view that Mark was best able to articulate a vision for the Chamber as the voice of business in the region and a key driver for economic development and job creation”. “This is a credit to Mark as there were some outstanding candidates interviewed”.He added that “The Chamber would like to thank all applicants who expressed an interest in the future direction of the organisation and we hope to work with many of you in various capacities to facilitate economic development, job opportunities and a stronger community”.“Marks experience in organisational restructuring and technology applications are key strengths and will be particularly useful within a business community that is embracing smart technology and coping with technology driven disruption to traditional business models” Mr Kerr said.The CEO position became available with the retirement and relocation to Perth of Ray Philp who has been in the position for 5 years. Mr Kerr said that “Ray has been a strong genuine advocate for our region and has played a key role in the emergence of the Regional Chambers organisation, establishing the new Bunbury Geographe Chamber brand, Procure South West and many other initiatives, working tirelessly on behalf of our business community and the Chamber. On behalf of the Chamber members in particular I would like to thank Ray for always being available to support them and the longer term strategic, (and often invisible to the public), issues he has progressed in our community. We look forward to maintaining a strong connection through the Regional Chambers organisation that Ray will continue to support and wish Ray, Val and the family the very best for the future.”Contact: David KerrPresident0418 666 089president@bgcci.com.au