Airlines for Australia and New Zealand (A4ANZ) has today announced the appointment of Dr Alison Roberts as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer.

Dr Roberts is currently Executive Director of Policy, Advocacy and Innovation at the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, the peak national professional pharmacist organisation. Dr Roberts’ background includes extensive experience developing and providing strategic advice on policy directions, reviews and reforms by Government.

A4ANZ Chair Professor Graeme Samuel AC welcomed Dr Roberts to the role and said her wealth of policy and industry collaboration experience will be essential in contributing to the success of A4ANZ in driving change in the aviation sector.

“After a robust recruitment process, we are delighted to announce Alison’s appointment as CEO of A4ANZ,” Professor Samuel said.

“Alison has a strong track record of championing the interests of her stakeholders in a complex, highly regulated industry, for an important sector of the economy.

“It is this experience, along with her delivery of innovative solutions and community work, which makes Alison well-equipped to work with our member airlines to pursue regulatory reform on issues that impact the aviation sector and affect Australian and New Zealand travellers.

“A PhD in change management and current role leading a national policy and advocacy team for a peak body, provide a solid foundation in analytical thinking, the identification of trends, challenges and opportunities at a systemic level and effective implementation.

“The A4ANZ Board considered her experience well suited to the role, offering new perspectives to represent the aviation industry.”

Dr Roberts will commence with A4ANZ from 1 August 2017.