The Australian Distillers Association (ADA) has appointed Paul McLeay as its first Chief Executive Officer, starting in the role on Monday, 2 August.
McLeay has been working with the ADA in a industry and government engagement capacity for eight months and ADA President Stu Gregor said McLeay was the clear candidate of preference from the three shortlisted candidates the recruitment panel interviewed.
In a letter to members, Gregor said: “[Paul’s] experience with the organisation over the past eight months means he will hit the ground running, and his past experience with industry organisations, his knowledge of the workings of parliaments both State and Federal and his ability to engage with membership, made him an obvious choice.”
McLeay told The Shout: “I am very excited to be part of the continued emergence and growth of the Australian Spirits Industry. I have been working closely with hundreds of Australian Distillers over the last seven months in the campaign for fair and sustainable tax reform and am relishing the opportunity to expand the role and services to members.
“As the Industry grows and develops, the ADA will grow and evolve to meet our members needs. The decision to employ a Chief Executive Officer means that members can expect services from the ADA beyond what we currently offer.
“I will be responsible for continued and improved Government and Industry engagement, media engagement, development of a Members resource, an exciting Annual conference and much more.”
McLeay brings has a strong background in Government, member based organisations, corporate governance to the ADA. His previous business was in Corporate Governance and has previously been a NSW Member of Parliament and Minister for Ports. Paul has an MBA from AGSM.