The Board of Australian Made Campaign Ltd (AMCL) has appointed industry leader Kate Carnell as its new chair, making her the very first woman to hold the role in the organisation.
Carnell succeeds Chair Allyn Beard, the director of Sydney-based mattress manufacturer A.H. Beard who retired from the board after 14 years of service as a director.
One of Australia’s leading senior executives, Carnell’s past leadership roles include her stint as the ombudsman of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise and as CEO of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
She also served as the chief executive of Beyond Blue, the Australian Food and Grocery Council, and the Australian General Practice Network.
Carnell was elected to the ACT Legislative Assembly in 1992 and served as the ACT Chief Minister for two terms.
“My background in business has shown me how important it is to champion organisations that produce their products locally. Australians are looking for Australian Made and Australian Grown products, and the Australian Made logo helps them exercise this preference,” Carnell said.
The Australian Made Board has also announced the retirement of AMCL Director Fiona Simson, who served as a member of the board for eight years.
In addition to these leadership changes, AMCL onboarded Former Senator Kim Carr and technology leader Kerry Purcell to its board of directors
The full AMCL Board of Directors now comprises:
- Kate Carnell AO (Chair), Company Director
- Nicki Anderson (Deputy Chair), Company Director (ASX, Private Family, Not for Profit)
- Paul Jensen (Treasurer), Chairman, Watarrka Foundation
- Andrew McKellar, CEO, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Jim Sturgess, CEO, Crimsafe Security Systems Pty. Ltd
- The Hon Kim Carr, Former Senator
- Kerry Purcell, Technology Leader
“AMCL is privileged to have such a strong board of talented individuals with diverse backgrounds. From industry and government to small business and cause-led organisations, together they help set the strategic direction of the Campaign,” said Ben Lazzaro, CEO of Australian Made.
“AMCL’s Directors don’t get paid a cent for their work – they do it because they are passionate about promoting Australian Made.”
