By Andrew Starke
Bill Healey will depart as Australian Hotels Association (AHA) National CEO when his contract ends at the beginning of May 2010 or sooner if a suitable successor is found early next year.
Healey will have had five years in the role by May. One result of this shake-up will be that the new CEO will once again be based in Canberra.
The successful appointee will undertake an internal review of current national structures.
Contacted by TheShout, Healey said he had no immediate plans for life after the AHA but would likely ‘take some time to smell the roses’.
“We are in the process of recruiting my replacement and expect to be able to announce a successor early next year,” he said, adding that he would be ‘happy to disappear’ before his contract ends if a new CEO is appointed before May.
AHA National President, Tom McGuire, said Healey would be working with the AHA National Executive to recruit his replacement and ensure a smooth transition of the management of the AHA National Office.
“Bill and his team will ensure that current issues, such as the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Gambling, the Preventative Health Taskforce report, the National Long-Term Tourism Strategy and PPCA restaurant music fees are effectively managed over the coming months,” he said.
Healey will be advising AHA State/Territory branch CEOs of transitional arrangements over the coming week.