BIA Ltd names Adam Smith as new president
NSW-based marine industry lobby group names Adam Smith in top roleThe NSW-based Boating Industry Association has named Australian Boating College owner Adam Smith to lead the advocacy group.
The BIA announced this week that Smith has taken over the role of heading an association “representing a vibrant industry that last year reported more than $9.6 billion in turnover nationally”.
According to the BIA, Smith, who has stepped up as BIA vice-president for the last two years and a director for four, brings a wealth of industry experience and knowledge to the role.
“Our key priorities remain to grow participation in boating, deliver government advocacy, deliver industry-focused programs, products and services, and to promote skills and jobs,” Smith said in a statement announcing his appointment.
“I want to acknowledge and thank [outgoing BIA Ltd president] Andrew [Fielding] for his contributions over the past few years,” Smith said.
“Much was achieved under this leadership and that includes the launch of the Marine Industry Academy…, the launch of the BIA Boating Industry Sustainability Award, the rollout of a new strategic business plan, initiating a BIA Safe Marine Business strategy and successful boating promotions, and a successful 2023 Sydney International Boat Show.”
Fielding said Smith’s transition to the leadership role at the BIA was some time coming.
“I have made the decision to step down as part of a desire to see our family business transition to an exciting new structure,” Fielding said.
“My commitment to the boating industry and the BIA is as strong as ever, even after more than 30 years in the industry my passion for boating is undiminished.”
Queensland-based Fielding was appointed BIA president in May last year. He replaced Darren Vaux, who was charged with steering the industry through the highly disruptive COVID-19 pandemic.
A planned merger between the Sydney-based BIA and the separate Boating Industry Association of Victoria announced before Fielding’s appointment to the role fell over in October last year after months of talks between the two parties.
Announcing the decision to quit the merger talks, BIAV president Eleni Savva said the Victorian board would continue to work closely with the BIA on a range of programs and initiatives.
The BIAV said it remained optimistic about the possibility of merging at some stage in the future.
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