The Executive Council of the Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry this week confirmed as President Mr Jeremy Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Ballarat-based Sovereign Hill.

 

He takes over from Richard Holyman, who was appointed President in late 2003, and will be VECCI’s first regionally based President since its formation in 1991.  He is also a member and Honorary Treasurer of the Council of Australian Museum Directors and Chairman of the Victorian Tourism Industry Council.

 

Prior to being appointed as Chief Executive Officer at Sovereign Hill, Jeremy held other senior posts at Sovereign Hill and served in leadership roles as a Chief Executive Officer in local government.

 

Jeremy's interests include community service where he is actively involved in local sporting and charitable organisations.  He is the Hon. Secretary/Treasurer of the Arch of Victory/Avenue of Honour Committee, past Chairman of Loreto College Ballarat School Council and chaired St Patrick's Cathedral Ballarat Restoration Appeal 2000.  He is a past member of the Central Highlands Football League Tribunal and served five terms as President of the Ballaarat Club.

 

Congratulating Jeremy on his appointment, VECCI Chief Executive Officer Wayne Kayler-Thomson said that Mr Johnson’s business experience in the tourism sector would be of assistance to VECCI members, particular those in regional Victoria.

 

“One-third of our membership is regionally-based and Jeremy’s appointment is timely as many of our members face difficulties dealing with the current drought – Jeremy is also well-placed to take a leadership role in VECCI’s first Regional Business Convention, to be held next year”, says Mr Kayler-Thomson.

 

“I consider it an honour and a privilege to be appointed by the Executive Council as President, and will ensure that VECCI continues its current strategic direction, which is focussed on effective advocacy and representation and the maintenance of good working relationships with State and Federal Governments, and the delivery of the highest quality service to our members, customers, clients, and other stakeholders”, says Mr Johnson.

 

“I would also like to pay tribute to the outstanding contribution that Richard Holyman has made during his four years as President of VECCI.

 

“He led a Board which moved VECCI substantially down the path of transformation from a traditional industrial relations based employer group to a sophisticated multi-faceted services organisation, a process I intend to continue”, says Mr Johnson.