New GM for BIA Victoria

The former general manager of the Royal Brighton Yacht Club, Clyde Batty, has been appointed the new general manger of the Boating Industry Association of Victoria. He takes up his new position on January 27.

Batty, who joined RBYC after 20 years in the hotel and club industry, has an impressive history with the sailing club. He opened a new $4.3 million clubhouse, expanded members' reciprocal rights both in Australia and overseas and introduced new membership categories to capture the non-sailing market and ensure the club's expansion.

BIA president David Heyes says Batty is an ideal fit for BIA Victoria as it pursues its strategic objectives for enhanced member benefits and effective advocacy. "Clyde has an impressive record of taking good organisations and making them even better, improving facilities, services and efficiency across the board," Heyes says.

"His notable achievements include a threefold membership growth at Bentleigh RSL Club in less than two years and a significant reduction in overhead costs and debt during his term at Waverley Golf Club."

Batty says he is looking forward to working with the BIA board and members to expand on the existing member benefits while also strengthening public and government awareness of the marine sector.

"Victoria's marine industry has demonstrated its underlying strength in the recent challenging times and I intend to ensure BIA Victoria maintains the profile and influence to build an even stronger future," he says.