Kirk Coningham has been named the new chief executive officer of the Australian Logistics Council.
Coningham, the national executive director of the Urban Development Institute of Australia until December 2018, has now commenced his responsibilities at the ALC Secretariat in Canberra, the ALC said on Tuesday.
“The ALC Board is delighted that Kirk has taken up this key leadership role, and is looking forward to working closely with him as we continue to grow ALC’s profile, membership and advocacy activities,” ALC chair Philip Davies said.
Coningham has previously served as CEO of the Master Builders Association of the ACT, has occupied senior positions with Leighton Holdings, the Australian Medical Association, and the Murray Darling Basin Commission.
He has served as a diplomat, been a Captain in the Australian Army, held senior media roles within government, and has worked as a journalist.
He received a Medal of the Order of Australia for his work with the crisis taskforce following the bombings in Bali on October 12, 2002.
“The ALC Board is confident that Kirk’s considerable experience in organisational leadership, member engagement and influencing policy outcomes will further enhance ALC’s capacity to deliver the policy framework and reforms needed to enhance national supply chain efficiency and safety,” Davies said.
With the federal election looming, Davies said the ALC’s work would be especially important in 2019, also the year the Commonwealth is due to release the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy.
“ALC is committed to remaining the lead advocate for this much-needed strategy, and ensuring it delivers the right outcomes for ALC members and for the nation’s freight logistics industry as a whole.”
Davies also thanked Lachlan Benson, who has served as the ALC’s interim CEO since July 2018.
“Lachlan will continue working closely with ALC to support Kirk over the next month as he transitions into the role of CEO and meets with key ALC members and stakeholders,” Davies said. “He will then return to his strategic advisory and director work, but will be available to assist Kirk and the ALC Board as required in the future.”