Fielding & Scott reshape BIA leadership

Andrew Fielding today became CEO of the Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) © Boating Industry Association

Boating industry stalwart Andrew Fielding today became CEO of the Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) in a long-planned restructure of the peak marine industry body in Australia.

BIA President Adam Smith announced the appointment which will see Andrew Scott move seamlessly to Chief Financial Officer to create a powerful Executive leadership team with the unanimous support of the Board.

Fielding brings more than 30 years of industry knowledge and almost 10 years with the BIA in roles including membership with his family business Anchorline Brokerage, Qld State Chair, BIA Ltd Board Chair and President, and more recently as Business Development Manager with the BIA team.

He is also a Board member of the Gold Coast Waterways Authority, Vice Chair of the Queensland Recreational Boating Council and BIA representative on the AMSA National Safety Committee to name a few.

"I am delighted to accept this position with the BIA and to lead the team in collaboration with my colleague Andrew Scott as Chief Financial Officer," Fielding said. "This leadership structure will make the most of our mutual strengths to meet the economic challenges of the day and to deliver the best possible outcomes for our members across Australia."

Andrew Scott had long planned the structural change where the two leading industry professionals and can make the most of their collective experience, whilst allowing himself to maximise his strong accounting background and value to the BIA as dedicated CFO.

Scott also has more than 30 years of experience in the marine industry and is looking forward to being able to concentrate more fully on his area of expertise which is finance.

"BIA has a solid financial foundation and yet there are avenues to further build our resilience and effectiveness for members," he said.

Scott will continue as Treasurer of the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers and represents the BIA internationally.

The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) dates from 1960 and is the peak industry body in Australia that represents the interests of boating which includes designers, manufacturers, importers, brokers, insurers, retailers, charters, yacht and boat clubs, marinas, events, surveyors and trades from boat builders to riggers, and more. BIA is an advocate for boaters and the boating lifestyle and supports safe, responsible, and enjoyable boating. BIA has members in all States and Territories.

The boating economy generates significant benefits. The BIA reported industry national turnover last year of $10.12 billion, directly employed more than 27,500 people with more than 8250 contractors. Seventy-five per cent are in small family businesses, employing local workers and supporting local communities.

In Australia, more than 85 per cent of the population live within 50km of the coast, so it is little wonder that almost 1 in 5 households can have a boat or watercraft and that approximately 5 million go boating each year. People of all ages, gender and ability participate in boating across paddle, sail and power for leisure and sport.

For information on BIA go to www.bia.org.au.