Motor industry chief departs

AUSTRALIA’S peak motor industry body, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), is looking for its third chief executive in 12 months after the sudden departure today of the latest incumbent, Ian Chalmers.

Mr Chalmers confirmed to GoAuto that he was departing the Canberra-based organisation at the close of business today, citing personal reasons.

He had been in the role only since September, after being recruited in a three-month search to replace Andrew McKellar, who left the FCAI last May to head up the Australian Automobile Association (AAA).

The seat was warmed by acting CEO Steve Payne between Mr McKellar’s departure and Mr Chalmers’ arrival, and now the head-hunting process will start over.

Mr Chalmers' departure was formally announced by FCAI chairman and president Bob Graziano, who is also Ford Australia president.

“On behalf of all the members of the FCAI, we thank Ian for his valued contribution over the past eight months and wish him the best in his future endeavours,” he said.

The FCAI said Mr Chalmers' replacement "will be the subject of a future announcement".

The FCAI is responsible for setting industry-wide policy, along with industry’s relations with governments, particularly the federal government.

Mr Chalmers has been dealing with federal officials and ministers on a wide range of current issues, including mandatory CO2 levels foreshadowed by the current government.

A graduate of Duntroon Military College, Mr Chalmers was an officer with the Australian Army from 1977 to 1988.

He held a number of high-level senior management positions over the past two decades at a range of corporate and government organisations, including chief executive of Medicines Australia (2006-09), the Australian Local Government Association (2001-06), the Australian Private Hospitals Association (1995-2000) and the Association of Financial Advisers (1990-1994).

He was also a non-executive director of medical diagnostic company Fermiscan Holdings Limited from September 2009 to August last year, and had a brief stint as a consultant during 2010 for the National Health and Medical Research Council.