Chemistry Australia has announced David Hawkins, Chairman and Managing Director at BASF Australia and New Zealand, as the new elected Chair of Chemistry Australia.
Russell Schroeter, Managing Director of SNF Australia, has been elected as Chemistry Australia Deputy Chair
Chemistry Australia has announced David Hawkins, Chairman and Managing Director at BASF Australia and New Zealand, as the new elected Chair of Chemistry Australia.
Russell Schroeter, Managing Director of SNF Australia, has been elected as Chemistry Australia Deputy Chair. The Board moves follow the recent departure of outgoing Chair Louis Vega, Managing Director of Dow Chemical Australia and New Zealand, who stepped down from the Chemistry Australia Board following his recent posting to lead Dow Chemical Company’s government affairs and public policy efforts in the United States.
Chemistry Australia CEO Samantha Read said she is delighted to welcome both David and Russell to their new positions as Chair and Deputy Chair of Chemistry Australia.
“David and Russell bring valuable experience to the Chemistry Australia Board having operated businesses in a global investment environment,” said Ms Read.
“As Chemistry Australia Chair, we look forward to David’s continued leadership as an advocate for the Australian chemistry industry’s social licence and the sustainability of our sector.
“David is passionate about the industry’s role in developing innovative, science-based solutions to address global challenges like climate change and plastic waste.
“He is also a Male Champion of Change and actively involved in improving workforce diversity in the industrial manufacturing and transport sectors.
“In the Deputy Chair role, Russell’s deep knowledge of supply chain efficiency and investment in manufacturing will also be vital as we continue to campaign for conditions to attract long-term investment in Australia.”
Newly-elected Chemistry Australia Chair David Hawkins said social licence will continue to be a key focus to enable the chemistry industry to contribute both sustainably and economically to Australia for the long term.
“As one of Australia’s largest manufacturing sectors, the chemistry value chain needs to be progressive in order to attract diverse talent and create new growth opportunities,” he said.
“We want to see the environment we operate within continue to support Australia’s rich history of world-class innovations into the future – this is vital for Australia to remain globally competitive and attractive for investment.
“I’m very optimistic about opportunities for the chemistry industry and look forward to working with Chemistry Australia, the Board and our membership to foster an environment that creates long-term, sustainable growth,” said Mr Hawkins.
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