Committee for Wyndham start CEO search

Committee for Wyndham chairman Craig Kennedy. (supplied) 385777_01

Cade Lucas

The Committee for Wyndham is searching for a new CEO following the retirement of Barbara McLure late last year.

Ms McLure led the organisation for six years, but finished up in December, with chairman Craig Kennedy acting in the role since.

Mr Kennedy said that with the Christmas and New Year period now over, the committee was setting about finding a permanent replacement.

“We’re hoping to employ someone who understands Wyndham, both the community and business and its challenges,” he said of the type of candidate they were looking for.

“We’re looking for somebody who has the acumen and skill set to deal with small businesses but is equally comfortable dealing with senior executives in large businesses.”

Mr Kennedy said the committee was open to the new CEO only being part-time as long as they had the requisite skills.

“It could be someone who’s semi retired but still has great connections or someone who has their own small business but wants to dedicate 3-4 days a week working with the committee to deliver the change agenda we have for Wyndham.”

That agenda has been the subject of much change since Mr Kennedy became chairman of the committee in November with a remit to make it more business focused.

Following Ms McLure’s retirement, a strategic review of the committee was conducted, with changes to membership packages and a renewed focus on networking and information sharing between businesses, among its recommendations.

Mr Kennedy said delivering those recommendations would be among the responsibilities of the new CEO.

“Key things they’ll be doing is working jointly with council on a business calendar of events, securing guest speakers and a significant amount of member liaison to ensure they are being listened to and getting value for money,” he said.

“Essentially it’s then going to be working with the board and key stake holders to create a series of new initiatives that will be beneficial to the Wyndham business community and the community as a whole.”

The committee is hoping to appoint a new CEO by the end of next month.