AUSTRALIA’S peak new-vehicle automotive industry body, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), has announced the appointment of two new members to its board of directors and new office bearers following the Annual General Meeting held on May 25, 2022.

New members appointed to the board of directors are Kevin Flynn, managing director and CEO of FCA Australia (Stellantis) and Stephen Connor, managing director of Volvo Car Australia.

Matthew Callachor, president and CEO of Toyota Australia, was returned as chairperson with Vinesh Bhindi (managing director, Mazda Australia), Shaun Westcott (president and CEO, Mitsubishi Motors Australia) and Paul Sansom (group managing director, Volkswagen Group Australia) elected as deputy chairpersons.

Stephen Collins (chief operating officer, Honda Australia) has been returned as treasurer.

Outgoing members were Michael Bartsch, former Volkswagen Group Australia managing director, and Andrew Birkic, Ford Australia and New Zealand president and CEO, who elected not to continue as a director.

FCAI chief executive Tony Weber welcomed the directors and office bearers to their positions.

“With the FCAI’s membership encompassing 39 automotive brands it is valuable to have a diverse board of directors spread across the marketplace,” he said.

“Australia’s automotive industry is standing on the precipice of major change across the areas of safety, emissions and customer experience. I am confident our board will be able to provide valuable guidance and strategic direction moving forward.”

By Neil Dowling