EXPERIENCED businessman and organisation executive Robert Wallace has taken up his appointment as chief executive of Tasmania’s peak employer body, the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI).

TCCI CEO Robert Wallace

Formerly CEO of Northern Tasmania Development, Mr Wallace’s appointment was announced by TCCI chairman Martin Rees. Mr Wallace took up his new post at the TCCI on November 23.

Martin Rees said Robert Wallace brought to the position a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge that he had accumulated over many years in the private sector and most recently as the CEO of Northern Tasmania Development.

“The Board and I are delighted that Robert accepted appointment to the TCCI CEO position,” Mr Rees said.

“The combination of his experience in both the business and government sectors in addition to running a member-based organisation will provide the Chamber with a great opportunity to build on the strong impact we have had on economic and related policy matters in recent times whilst continuing to improve our member services.”

Mr Wallace said he was looking forward to representing Tasmanian business in his new role.

“I am very excited with this appointment and am proud to have been afforded the opportunity to represent and support Tasmanian business, and in particular TCCI members, a task I intend to tackle in a positive and meaningful way,” Mr Wallace said.

“With experience and knowledge of how business and government operates in Tasmania, I look forward to assisting members be they small, medium or large, to improve their productivity and to help them identify and take advantage of new emerging opportunities that are developing in Tasmania,” Mr Wallace said.

In addition to successfully managing corporations, Mr Wallace has a strong background in agribusiness, supply chain management and international trade.

Originally from Victoria, he came to Hobart in 1974 and he and his artist wife Alison, have lived in Tasmania for 27 years.  Mr Wallace has held senior corporate management positions for many years specialising in business development and sustainable growth, lobbying and advocacy, and negotiation and arbitration.  Over the past 20 years he has served as a director on a range of corporate, industry and government boards, and has participated in international business development and marketing missions.

Mr Wallace is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, holds a Master of Agribusiness from the University of Melbourne and is an Honorary Fellow at the UTas Australian Innovation Research Centre (AIRC).

In announcing the appointment, Mr Rees paid tribute to the contribution to the TCCI made by Andrew Scobie in his role as interim CEO.

“Andrew Scobie has personally had major input to the Chamber’s influence on the direction of economic and related policy issues in this State during his short time in this most demanding position.

“The Board asked Mr Scobie to step into the role to fill an unexpected gap and greatly appreciates his efforts and achievements during what has at times, been a difficult journey for both him and his family,” Mr Rees said.