Michael Bailey has stepped down as CEO of the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry after 13 years in the role.
Colleen Reardon, the organisation’s current chief operating officer, has been appointed as acting CEO.
Bailey, who holds an Order of Australia Medal, said it was the right time to move on.
“I’ve enjoyed every last moment of the job, but it’s now time to do something else,” he said.
“When I was first appointed to the role in 2013 Tasmania was in the depths of a two-year recession, over my time in the role it has been a privilege to see Tasmania’s economy rise from the bottom to the very top and to help hundreds of Tasmanian businesses benefit on the way through.”
Bailey said the TCCI plays a key role in the state’s economic and social life.
“The TCCI plays a really important part in providing practical support to Tasmanian business, even more importantly it gives them a strong voice in political and economic debate,” he said.
Bailey said his highlights in the role included working with the government to ease the impact on business during COVID and the finalisation of the agreement to build the new Marinus Link.
He also pointed to recently encouraging Launceston City Council to shelve its proposed four-day working week, which he said would have had significant flow-on effects for the business community.
Daniel Hanna, acting chair of the TCCI, said Bailey would leave a lasting legacy.
“On behalf of the TCCI and Tasmania’s business community, I would like to sincerely thank Michael for his service to the organisation and for everything he has done to benefit Tasmania and Tasmanian businesses,” Hanna said.
Bailey’s last day in the role will be June 30.
