BIAV appoints new GM

President of the Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV), Paul Benjamin, has announced the appointment of Steven Potts as the new General Manager.

Benjamin said the appointment was a great achievement for the BIAV.

"We are very excited to have appointed Steven to the role, and look forward to working with him as we grow the BIAV and recreational use of our waterways," Benjamin said.

"With a diverse background in industry organisations, including Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria, Australian Golf Course Superintendents Association, and the Ski & Snowboard Australia Association, Steven has great membership and event management experience.

"More than 70 applicants applied for the role and Steven was a stand-out candidate from the start.

"The calibre of candidates who applied was a wonderful recognition of the opportunity to drive the BIAV and the boating industry forward."

Steven Potts said he was excited to begin the new role in mid-April. Being an avid boater from a young age and now at the helm of the BIAV adds another dimension to his knowledge of the boating industry in Victoria.

"Having grown up on the Mornington Peninsula, and being a boat owner myself, I am passionate about all aspects of life on the water," Potts said.

"I look forward to meeting with all our members and learning from their personal experience of the industry."

Paul Benjamin paid tribute to outgoing CEO Steven Gill and wished him well.

"Steven Gill was a very good general manager and the BIAV wish him, and his family well in WA, to where they have returned," Benjamin said.

The BIAV represents the interests of more than 230 industry members in an industry which contributes more than $2 billion annually to the state’s economy.