The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) is on the lookout for a new CEO again after the surprise resignation by Andrew McKellar today.
McKellar, who was more recently the Paris-based Secretary General for Mobility at the International Automobile Federation (FIA), had only been in the position since February this year.
Before joining the FIA, McKellar was CEO of the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).
A media statement lacked detail on exactly why McKellar was calling time so early, only adding that he was leaving to take up the role of CEO of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Australia’s largest and most representative business association.
His last day at the ATA is on Friday, August 6, before starting at the ACCI in Canberra the following Monday.
In the same statement McKellar thanked the ATA board and council, and the trucking industry, for their warm welcome, support and encouragement.
“Despite my short time in office, I will leave the role with a far greater appreciation of the critical role that the road transport sector plays in the Australian economy and the many great people and personalities that populate the industry,” McKellar said.
ATA Chair David Smith said that McKellar would leave the ATA with key strategic achievements, including work on its new strategic plan and a start to reviewing the ATA’s governance arrangements.
“During the weeks before he leaves the ATA, Andrew and I will firmly focus on maintaining the momentum on dealing with these important priorities and on progressing a transition plan,” Smith said.
A close source, who spoke to Big Rigs on the condition of anonymity, said the news came as a shock to the association, which had spent months looking for a suitable replacement for the popular predecessor Ben Maguire.
But Big Rigs also understands that many who met McKellar at the recent Brisbane Truck Show, his first public outing in the role, were left wondering whether he was the right fit for the position.
ATA chief of staff Bill McKinley was approached for comment.