New executive director for peak engineering body

THE Society of Automotive Engineers – Australasia (SAE-A) has appointed Geoff Pearson as executive director, replacing Max Chanter, who is retiring.

Mr Pearson has two decades’ experience in the Australian automotive industry, spanning vehicle manufacturing engineering and academia. The latter includes lecturing in automotive engineering and becoming a Formula SAE-A faculty advisor.

SAE-A President Bill Malkoutzis said Mr Pearson had been active in SAE-A programs for many years, particularly the international Formula SAE-Australasia education competition for engineering students.

“Geoff’s close links with the universities, their engineering students and the companies that employ them will bring a fresh and vibrant approach to the society’s programs,” said Mr Malkoutzis.

Mr Pearson said he would strive to ensure the national office of the peak engineering body created learning opportunities for its members, despite the diverse range of occupations in the sector, which includes engine development, chassis design, aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, mechanical and body repair, crash investigation and insurance assessment.

“While senior members bring wisdom and many years’ engineering experience to the table, our young members share enthusiasm to learn and fluency in today’s communication technologies,” he said.

“In this challenging global automotive market, we will support those members dedicated to sustaining a viable automotive manufacturing industry in Australia. And we will continue to service members committed to repairing and maintaining the nation’s vehicle fleet.

“As long as we engineer things, as long as we have a desire to learn, and as long as we have passion for things automotive, there will be a place for SAE-A,” he said.