Colleen Reardon has been named chief executive of the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, making her the first woman to lead the business group in its 175-year history.
Reardon has been acting CEO since May and has worked at the TCCI for 16 years, including as chief operating officer.
The appointment follows the departure of Michael Bailey, who stepped down this year after 13 years in the top job.
The TCCI is an independent, not-for-profit, member-based organisation that acts as the state’s peak business body.
It has more than 1,500 business members who it supports right across the state.
TCCI chair Becher Townshend said the board’s decision was unanimous.
“Colleen brings a rare combination of long-term commitment to the Chamber, deep connections across Tasmanian business and government and substantial experience in leadership, operations, policy and advocacy,” he said.
“She has proven herself in the acting role and the Board is confident she is the right person to lead the TCCI into its next chapter.”
Reardon said she was honoured to take on the role.
“The TCCI has represented Tasmanian business for 175 years and it’s a privilege to lead it,” she said.
“Business needs a strong, credible voice in Tasmania’s public and political debate. My priority is to make sure the TCCI delivers that and that our members see real, practical value from the Chamber.”
When he announced his departure, Bailey said the TCCI gave businesses “a strong voice in political and economic debate”.
He listed working with the government to ease the impact of COVID on business and the finalisation of the agreement to build Marinus Link among the highlights of his time in the role.
