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Maguire set to depart the Australian Trucking Association

Association’s CEO for the past three years to join the Royal Australian Navy

 

Ben Maguire, who has been at the helm of the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) since January 2017, is stepping down next month.

He leaves his post in late September to take up a commission as an officer in the Royal Australian Navy.

Maguire becomes the second ATA leader to step down this year after chair Geoff Crouch in May.

New chair David Smith paid tribute to the outgoing CEO.

“During his time at the ATA, Ben assembled and coached a high performing team of staff,” Smith says.

“Under his leadership, the ATA transformed its events and added two leadership initiatives: the Daimler Truck and Bus Future Leaders’ Forum and the Teletrac Navman Driving Change Diversity Program.

“These initiatives enable ATA member associations to nominate their rising stars, including from diverse backgrounds, to receive career-defining training and mentoring.

“Ben also led the upgrade of the ATA’s road safety education vehicle, the Safety Truck, to our new exhibition and digital campaign, SafeT360. Our new campaign has now reached more than 1.3 million people online.

“Its appeal and relevance to its 16-25 year old target public is clear.”


More on Crouch’s departure from the ATA, here


Smith says Maguire “excelled as an advocate for the industry”, pointing to his work in keeping rest facilities open for truck drivers during the Covid-19 pandemic and encouraging participation in the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) review.

“Ben has now been offered a commission to serve as a naval officer, where he will apply his leadership, business and mentoring skills,” Smith adds.

“We are disappointed that Ben is leaving, but he leaves the ATA with our thanks, congratulations and best wishes,” he said.

Maguire describes his time at the ATA as a career highlight.

“I will be forever grateful for the friendships, opportunities and achievements over the last three and a half years.

“All of this would not have been possible without the incredible team of people I work with, and the united and clear leadership of the board.

Maguire was also congratulated on his tenure by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).

“It’s been great to work with Ben and as a member of our Industry Reference Forum we’ve tackled many issues and challenges together,” NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto says.

“I particularly welcome his input into some significant safety reforms, including developing the Registered Industry Master Code of Practice, the implementation of changes to Chain of Responsibility laws and being an advocate for a review of the Heavy Vehicle National Law.

“Ben has also shown strong leadership over the past few months as the industry faces unprecedented challenges brought about by the pandemic and operational restrictions.”

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with ATA Chair David Smith and the executive, to ensure a safe, productive and sustainable heavy vehicle industry in Australia.”

Tributes also filtered through from Canberra.

“All the best Ben Maguire on your transition and future career. You have been a fierce advocate for the industry and strong administrator, working hard for the future of the transport and trucking industry and the ATA,” Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz says on Twitter.

The ATA advises it will shortly commence a national search process for its next CEO.

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