The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry – ACCI – has chosen former Shell and Chevron executive James Pearson as its new chief executive.
Mr Pearson, who will join the business lobby group by the end of April, will replace former ACT chief minister Kate Carnell, who was recently appointed as the Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman.
He was chosen from a field of about 60 candidates, which included former small business minister Bruce Billson, several chief executives and other high profile candidates with industry experience.
‘James comes to the chamber with a wealth of experience in both the private and public sectors…He has represented business at the highest level and understands the needs of members,’ ACCI president Terry Wetherall said.
Mr Pearson is currently a Perth-based senior executive with Shell Australia, and has previously worked with energy giant Chevron.
He is also a former chief executive of Western Australia’s peak business lobby group Chamber of Commerce and Industry –CCI – a director at the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association and has worked as an Australian diplomat and with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Mr Wetherall said the federal budget would be the first priority for the new chief executive.
The chamber subsequently will release its list of pre-election policy issues focusing on industrial relations, infrastructure, taxation and economic issues.
ACCI’s board also wants the incoming CEO to review the organisation’s structure, as it doesn’t regard the current model to be fully efficient, Mr Wetherall said.
AAP
