CCIWA employees, Board and General Council members gathered last week to formally farewell Chris Rodwell and welcome Peter Cock as the organisation’s new Chief Executive.
L-R: Chris Rodwell and Peter Cock.
Rodwell’s leadership over seven years steered CCIWA – which has more than 200 employees and represents over 7,000 Members – through a significant period of change.
This included the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, expanding CCIWA’s services for Members, and fostering a workplace culture of collaboration, respect and shared purpose.
Rodwell said it had been an “honour” to lead CCIWA in “trying to create a better State, a better nation”.
“At its heart, Australia is an extraordinary democracy, and Western Australia an extraordinary State within it,” he said.
He encouraged employees and Members in the room to continue to believe in what CCIWA stands for – to make WA the best place to live and do business.
“We believe in competition; we believe in risk-based regulation of markets,” he said.
“We believe in free trade; we believe in a robust education system; we believe in the ideas and ingenuity of brave individuals.”
He also emphasised the importance of lifting private sector investment and productivity to underpin future living standards.
“In standing up for the whole of economy by sustaining rational argument, CCIWA serves a timeless need. There’s a deep moral argument that underpins our work in striving for a better economy, because it alleviates poverty and raises living standards,” he said.
Peter Cock stepped into the Chief Executive role on February 3 after almost a decade as CEO of Newcastle Airport.
He said he was looking forward to leading CCIWA through a new period of growth and supporting Members in navigating the ever-changing business environment.
“I’m really passionate about continuing to strengthen what we offer to our Members and supporting their businesses in the most practical ways possible,” he said.
“We also have a vital role to play in ensuring the right policy settings are in place to give WA businesses the chance to reach their full potential. There are so many opportunities on the horizon for this State and CCIWA is committed to making sure we seize them.”
To be part of WA’s peak business organisation, get in touch via 1300 422 492 or [email protected].
