Former Transport and Logistics Skills Council (TLISC) training specialist John Gilbert to be the VTA’s industry services manager
June 20, 2012
The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) has tapped former Transport and Logistics Skills Council (TLISC) training specialist John Gilbert on the shoulder to be its industry services manager.
Gilbert will manage key policy committees and working groups of the association and will assist with projects, VTA Deputy CEO Neil Chambers says.
Gilbert has worked at TLISC for four years and has previously held business development and management roles with several training providers in the transport and logistics industry, including Journey Management Group and Transqual.
He was a warrant officer and sergeant major with the Australian Army before joining the industry.
“Given John’s background, he has excellent leadership and management skills and a thorough understanding of the transport and logistics industry,” VTA Deputy CEO Neil Chambers says.
“He is a good communicator and a calm negotiator and will be a valuable addition to our executive team.”
Gilbert will join the VTA on July 9.
Meanwhile, outgoing CEO Phil Lovel will step down as the head of the association on June 30 after 26 years’ service, as previously reported by ATN.
Chambers, who has been with the VTA since 2003, will take over.
Lovel describes the handover as “seamless”, saying he will continue his involvement with the VTA as part-time executive director.
“I am, along with the board, very pleased to hand over to such a knowledgeable and professional person,” Lovel says.
Lovel will remain as director of the TWU Superannuation Fund, which he has been part of since 1986.
“In addition, I am committed to being secretary and treasurer of the Australian Road Transport Industrial Organisation (ARTIO) for the next few years,” he adds.
“The industrial relations scene is changing in our industry, with additional regulation such as the Road Safety Remuneration legislation, the ever evolving application of the Fair Work Act, the modernisation of the Award structure and the prevalence of individual enterprise agreements.”
He will also chair the Victorian Transport Industry Safety Group (TISG) and will assist in delivering key industry events, including the Australian Freight Industry Awards.
“This is a very seamless handover, full of goodwill and support,” he says.
“The VTA is changing every day, along with our industry and customer base. The succession plan allows the VTA as an organisation to change and grow as well.
“When I started at the VTA, we had no computers, no mobile phones, we smoked in the office and we couldn’t spell enterprise bargaining agreements.”
