The Hunter Business Chamber has appointed well-known business leader, Bob Hawes, as its new CEO.

Chamber President Jonathan Vandervoort said Bob would take up the appointment in early January. Bob is presently the Interim CEO of Dantia and prior to that was General Manager at Hunter Development Corporation, for more than five years.

Jonathan said Bob’s knowledge of the Hunter, his previous advocacy experience across a breadth of business issues and his strong reputation and leadership qualities made him eminently qualified for the role of CEO.

“Bob will work closely with Hunter First members, advising the Board and NSW Business Chamber on issues relating to HBC’s broader membership base while advocating on behalf of all businesses throughout the Hunter to make the Hunter a better place to do business,” Jonathan said.

“On behalf of the Board and members here at the Chamber, we would like to extend a warm welcome to Bob. We’re looking forward to working with him to achieve positive outcomes for the business community throughout 2017 and beyond.”

Bob said he was excited by the challenges and the opportunities the position will provide.

“There a number of challenges that not only the region faces, but businesses within in it,” Bob said. “I am looking forward to getting started as I think there is a new frontier the Chamber faces. We need to make sure businesses within the region are getting the best benefits, advice and advocacy.”

IMAGE | Bob Hawes