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Stepping up: Before becoming the AADA’s CEO, Jason Voortman served as its executive director of policy and communications from September 2017.

THE Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) has appointed James Voortman as its new chief executive officer, effective from July 1, 2019.

Having been the AADA’s executive director of policy and communications since September 2017, Mr Voortman replaces David Blackhall who has taken up other roles but remains a consultant to the company.

The AADA board said it was thrilled that Mr Voortman has taken up the key position and is looking forward to working with him to further the interests of franchised new-car dealers across Australia.

“James was the outstanding candidate of those who expressed interest in the position,” said AADA chair Terry Keating.

“We are pleased that he has accepted the role. Given his role as our director of policy, we expect a strong continuity across both policy and advocacy on behalf of our members.

“James also brings experience from working with other associations in the automotive sector and most recently as an advisor to a federal minister.”

The AADA has also acknowledged the ongoing role of AADA chief operating officer Brian Savage who provides significant industry experience, having worked in dealerships, OEMs and automotive industry associations.

David Blackhall

“Brian was appointed to this role earlier in the year and will play an important role in the AADA secretariat with a strong focus on working with our most important resource, our members,” Mr Keating said.

“The board and I would like to sincerely thank outgoing CEO David Blackhall for his hard work and dedication over the last three years.

“David provided invaluable leadership and is largely responsible for the significant gains the AADA has made in recent years.

“Every new-car dealer in Australia owes David a debt of gratitude for the focus, commitment and in many cases the resolution he has brought to issues in a time of extreme disruption.

“Whilst he is stepping down from his current role of CEO at the end of this month, he has agreed to continue with us in a consulting role essentially to complete our work in making a mandatory code for our industry a reality.”

Prior to career with the AADA, Mr Voortman worked from April 2016 to September 2017 as an adviser to then federal minister for urban infrastructure Paul Fletcher.

In the three years prior, Mr Voortman served as the national policy manager for the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) – the peak organisation for motoring clubs.

By Neil Dowling

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