Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) has appointed Penske’s Craig Lee and engineering consultant Robert Smedley to its management board.
“Craig and Robert are two very impressive leaders from different parts of our industry,” said HVIA President John Drake, adding that the move is in keeping with executive level appointments that help to strengthen the organisation.
“Both bring enormous experience to our board that will further enhance our strategic management and governance capabilities.”
According to Drake, HVIA has been focused on ensuring its board is representative of the diversity of the association’s membership and its national footprint.
“The industry is faced with a complex range of challenges, from the supply chain to skills shortages; our journey towards zero emissions against a backdrop of rising energy costs, and inflation that is affecting every business and every household,” he said.
“Bringing leaders of this calibre to the table further enhances our ability to put the right strategies in place to help our members across their business operations.
“It ensures that our engagement with members is tuned into the issues they are facing on the ground, so the strategies and solutions that we present to the new Federal Government are founded on a most solid base.”
As managing director of Smedley’s Engineers, Robert Smedley has been prominent in contributing to industry policy forums, particularly on safety and productivity issues.
“HVIA is an important industry stakeholder and I have been impressed by the organisation’s representation of its members in recent years,” Smedley said.
“The creation of HVIA as a ‘united’ and ‘national voice’ has allowed our industry to elevate the level of conversation being had right to the top decision makers.
“HVIA continues to grow its influence, using its respected position at the table to resolve policy and regulatory challenges.
“As a director, I see my role as ensuring that the organisation is using its resources most effectively to take on those challenges, and to provide strategic advice to ensure its efforts are achieving the necessary outcomes.”
Lee added that truck importers and manufacturers are on the cusp of the most fundamental shifts in heavy vehicle automotive technology ever.
“The next ten to 15 years are going to change the trucking landscape in a way that has never happened before.” Lee said.
“There are major changes occurring across the fleet in how technology is applied to improve fleet performance, for greatly improved safety outcomes and to improve our environmental impact.
“I am delighted to have been asked to represent HVIA’s members as a director and I hope to play a significant role in guiding the organisations continued growth in size and influence.”
The new directors will commence service immediately. Additional directors are eligible for election on the normal rotation process at the next HVIA Annual General Meeting scheduled for October.