Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) bids farewell to long-term CEO
HVIA chief executive Brett Wright has announced he is moving on after more than 20 years with the industry group.
“It is with many great memories, fondness and pride that I announce my leaving HVIA,” Wright says.
“I have been privileged, firstly to have been given the opportunity to work for The Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Queensland (CVIAQ) all those years ago and then to continue to lead it over the last twenty years culminating in its transformation into a truly national industry body, HVIA, in 2015.”
Wright kicked his career off with the then CVIAQ in 1996 and shortly after took over the role of chief executive.
The organisation credits Wright with many heavy vehicle industry improvements and most notably the transition to Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) alongside the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).
“It has been a great journey and one that I will always cherish, together with the many wonderful friendships made,” Wright says.
“I have also been privileged to have worked with many great leaders of industry, all of whom have so wisely led us to our current position of strength and potential.
“CVIAQ and HVIA’s successes are built on a great community of people who I wish to sincerely thank for all of their time and efforts contributing to the advances in our industry.”
HVIA chairman Peter Langworthy speaks fondly of Wright in thanking him for his service to the organisation and greater heavy vehicle industry.
“Brett has steered the organisation through a period of enormous transformation,” Langworthy says.
“When the time came, members were unanimous in determining that the way forward had to be as a national body, and not for a moment did we underestimate the size of the undertaking that would follow.
“Brett has led that project over the last three years, and put together an extremely capable team to build the capacity of the organisation across the country.
“I know I speak on behalf of all Board Directors, past and present, when I congratulate Brett on his exemplary and unselfish leadership.”
Langworthy confirms that despite Wright’s depature, HVIA is on track to deliver its strategic vision.
“We are looking forward to achieving the next stage in that journey,” he says.
“There are a number of key objectives that we have undertaken both in our business plan and in HVIA’s forward strategy.
“HVIA will only be a success if we continue to listen to our valued members, bring the industry together and effectively represent them to government and other oversight bodies.
“The time is right for the industry to collaborate on increasing productivity and ensuring our innovation and manufacturing footprint grows to its full potential.”
The HVIA says their Board has commenced a search and selection process to find a new CEO, confirming that Wright will remain his role until his replacement is ready to take the reins.
“I am determined that I leave HVIA positioned as strong as ever and fully committed to ensuring the handover and transition to the new CEO is as smooth as possible,” Wright assures members.
“Once that has occurred I look forward to enjoying some quality time with my family and considering new challenges and opportunities in my professional future.”