Amanda Hunter will officially commence her role on 23 June, taking over from outgoing CEO Ian Hadassin, who has held the position for the past seven years.
With 27 years business experience, Hunter joins the JAA with a number of achievements including: developing event marketing and management agency The Forum Group to a turnover of $10 million; ranking 15th in Australia on the 2006 BRW self-made female entrepreneurs list; and being a finalist in the 2005 New South Wales Telstra Small Business Awards.
In addition to holding a business degree, Hunter is a qualified business and life coach, and a statement released by the JAA stated that her “strong project management and communication skills are expected to be an asset to her in the role”.
Commenting on her appointment, Hunter said, “I aim to bring fresh ideas and perspectives given the range of roles and industries I have worked in over my 27-year career – to bring strong business skills to manage the organisation and take it forward strategically.”
Hunter explained that she hoped to apply the knowledge she had gained on specific projects to the jewellery industry, including member training and sponsorship building.
“Growing the JAA whilst helping the members also grow their businesses is very appealing and fits well with my past coaching and sales management experience.”
Hunter’s past involvement with both start-up businesses and global corporations was also said to be well suited to the range of small and large businesses in the jewellery industry that she will soon serve.
“I want to be a strong link between the board, the industry in general, and the consumers, and to re-energise the team,” Hunter added. “After all, a change can be as good as a holiday!”
The JAA’s move to new leadership is part of a major restructure that the organisation is undertaking in order to improve efficiency and relevance. The restructure has already resulted in the establishment of a new industry council in March this year.
Other proposed restructuring measures include a reduction in board size, a modification of the association’s constitution, and the introduction of a new election process that will give members direct voting rights.
More reading:
Major restructure for jewellers association
JAA seeks new leader