The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Western Australia has appointed Peter Cock as its next chief executive, to replace Chris Rodwell.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA has appointed Peter Cock as its next chief executive, to replace Chris Rodwell.
Dr Cock will start as chief executive in early February.
He joins from Newcastle Airport, where he had been chief executive since 2015.
Dr Cock previously worked at Perth Airport for 10 years in numerous roles, including as chief operating officer and as operations and customer experience executive general manager.
“Being born and raised in WA, including stints of working in and around Bunbury, the CCIWA vision of ‘WA is the best place to live and do business’ resonated for me, it’s something I believe in and was a huge attractor in applying for the role,” Dr Cock said.
“A strong focus will continue to be our members, and how as an organisation we can continue to drive value for members through provision of services and insights, and direct advocacy.
“There are exciting opportunities and challenges facing Western Australia which, more than ever, requires strong and aligned voices across the business community to help shape this future.
“I am especially determined to ensure WA makes strong headway in its energy transition and in building out its defence capacity.”
Dr Cock has a PhD in environmental science from Murdoch University.
CCIWA president Nicki Ivory said Dr Cock was selected after an extensive search.
“Peter brings significant expertise in strategy, leadership, commercial acumen, and government engagement to the role,” she said.
“Membership and stakeholder engagement are front and centre for Peter, having successfully built Newcastle’s airport’s annual revenues in Australia’s largest regional economy.
“Peter is a highly capable leader who will bring a strong understanding of business and commerciality, which is the right lens to represent the business community in Western Australia.
“It’s Peter’s deep understanding and commitment to collaboration and engagement that will move CCIWA into its 135th year of operation.”
Mr Rodwell announced his exit from CCIWA in September, stepping down from the role to return to Sydney.
In his resignation announcement, Mr Rodwell said the decision to leave was a difficult one to make.
"Our twin sons are headed to university next year and we’ve decided it’s the right time for our younger two, who both have intellectual disabilities, to be closer to family," he said.
“It’s a real honour to serve the people in this state who put their capital at risk, especially the thousands of businesses that choose to be our members.
"We will leave with an unbreakable connection to this great state and its boundless opportunities."
