The Chair of the Australian Trucking Association (ATA), Noelene Watson, today announced the appointment of Chris Melham as the next Chief Executive Officer of the ATA.

Mr Melham will take over the role early next year, following the impending retirement of long serving CEO Stuart St Clair.

Mrs Watson said the process laid down by the board to find and appoint a new CEO had been a thorough and professional search that saw more than 50 applicants for the position.

“The Board nominations committee was thrilled with the standard of applicants we received for this role,” Mrs Watson said.  

“This is testament to the high respect held for the ATA in Canberra. The recommendation was unanimous, and was approved by the full ATA board at its meeting today.

“Chris Melham has been the CEO for the National Road Transport Association for the past 3 years, and builds on a successful career of industry advocacy spanning more than 25 years. The ATA board welcomes him to the position, and we look forward to working with Chris in the future.”

Current CEO Stuart St Clair said the appointment would enable the ATA to continue its high level of advocacy and take its operations to a new level.

“Chris Melham’s experience, professionalism and drive will enable the ATA to provide the leadership the industry needs,” Mr St Clair said.

“I’m proud to have served the ATA and the trucking industry for the past 9 years as CEO, and to leave the ATA in a strong position. I know Chris will do a great job, and wish him all the best in the role.”

Mr St Clair was appointed Chief Executive of the ATA in March 2006, and announced his impending retirement in June this year. He will officially hand over the role to Mr Melham at the Trucking Australia 2015 conference in Hobart on 19 – 21 March 2015.