Both have extensive experience in the local and international automotive industry at a senior management level, and both have worked closely with all levels of state and federal governments.
Matt Hobbs has more than 10 years’ experience in the automotive industry with companies including Nissan and General Motors. His work included government relations, corporate affairs and advocacy initiatives in Korea, ASEAN, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, India and Australia. In March last year he was appointed Nissan’s vice president of external and government affairs for Asia and Oceania.
Prior to that appointment, he was vice-president of government relations and public policy for General Motors International, based in Detroit.
Long-term Toyota Australia executive Peter Griffin also has extensive experience in senior positions within government and corporate Australia. His key expertise is in public and industry policy, reputation management, governance and strategy and stakeholder management.
He was most recently chief operating officer of the Queensland Government’s Public Safety Business Agency and before that, divisional manager of corporate affairs, strategy and environment for Toyota Australia.
FCAI chief executive Tony Weber said of the appointments that “the automotive industry is in the midst of deep and abiding change, with new powertrain technologies and autonomy innovations emerging at a swift pace.”
“These innovations require extensive knowledge and strong guidance to ensure the industry can educate stakeholder groups, especially government and consumers, on the benefits and requirements of emerging technologies.
“The FCAI sees 2021 as the year of electrification and automotive innovation, and it is imperative that, as the peak industry body, we have the expertise and experience to implement the necessary programs to support these new technologies.
“With Matt and Peter on the team, the FCAI possesses that expertise,” he said.
By Neil Dowling