Dr Michael Schaper has a long track record working with business. Photo: AMA website.
A former Deputy Chair at the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission will take charge of the Canberra Business Chamber in the New Year, as part of the peak business body’s new leadership team.
Dr Michael Schaper will replace outgoing CEO Robyn Hendry, who finished a four-year term at the helm of the CBC in September.
The Chamber held its annual general meeting last week, with long-serving Board member Archie Tsirimokos elected as Chair, taking on the role previously held by Glenn Keys, who retired from the position after four years.
Current Board members Keith Cantlie and Lorcan Murphy will continue in their roles as Deputy Chair and Treasurer, respectively, for a second term.
Dr Schaper has a long track record in working, advising and advocating for business in the capital region, and at the national level.
For the past 10 years, he held the key role of Deputy Chair at the ACCC, with specific responsibility for small business, franchising, and industry and professional associations.
Archie Tsirimokos, from Meyer Vandenberg Lawyers, is the new Chair of the Canberra Business Council. File photo.
Dr Schaper also served as the ACT’s inaugural Small Business Commissioner and has worked extensively in the university sector in key leadership roles focused on business and entrepreneurship development.
He said that as the voice of business for Canberra and the region, it was important that the Chamber continued to support and advocate for business.
“We need to ensure the sector continues to prosper and is ready to meet the rapidly changing global environment,” Dr Schaper said. “We all have a role to play in promoting and advocating for Canberra and the region.
“A key component will be continuing to understand the needs of business and of our members, to assist their continued growth, and to advocate for Canberra as a great place to do business.”
Mr Tsirimokos said the Canberra Business Chamber Board was excited about what the future holds for business in Canberra.
“We will continue to work with our members, advocating for business and delivering on our vision for Canberra, as outlined in the Destination 2030 blueprint,” he said.
“Supporting this vision, we are delighted to have someone of Dr Schaper’s experience and calibre joining us as Chief Executive Officer in early January 2019.”
Original Article published by Ian Bushnell on the RiotACT.
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