MAZDA Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi has been elected to chairperson by the board of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), the peak body for Australia’s automotive industry.

The election of Mr Bhindi comes as Toyota Australia president and CEO Matthew Callachor has steps down following three years at the FCAI helm.

Mr Callachor has been elected a deputy chairperson, along with Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited president and CEO Shaun Westcott.

Honda Australia Motor Vehicles director Carolyn McMahon has been appointed FCAI treasurer.

The FCAI also appointed two new board members at the 2023 AGM, which was held on May 24.

New members are Tesla Australia & New Zealand country manager Thom Drew and Ford Australia & New Zealand president and CEO Andrew Birkic.

Returned to the board of directors are John Kett (chief operating officer, Hyundai Motor Company Australia); Adam Paterson (managing director, Nissan Motor Co Australia); Tony Hinton (general manager, Honda Motorcycle & Power Equipment Australia); Colin Christie (managing director, Inchcape Australia); and Stephen Connor (managing director, Volvo Car Australia).

FCAI chief executive Tony Weber, who has the board role of FCAI secretary, welcomed the directors and office bearers to their positions.

“I would like to offer my warm welcome to our 2023 directors and chairperson,” he said.

“The FCAI’s membership encompasses over 63 brands and sub brands. Having a board made up of a diverse range of directors from different areas of the marketplace is critical in ensuring the FCAI continues to offer the best representation of Australia’s motoring industry.

“With more change occurring across emissions, intelligent transport, business models and customer experience than ever before, I am confident our board will provide the critical insight and guidance our industry needs as we move forward,” Mr Weber said.

By Neil Dowling