The Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) has appointed Matthew Hobbs as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2024.
Currently Director, Policy and Advocacy at the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), Hobbs brings to the MTAA a breadth of experience in the automotive industry, including senior executive roles at GM Holden, along with General Motors and Nissan Motor Corporation internationally.
According to the MTAA, Hobbs has successfully led government relations campaigns and supported leadership to develop corporate strategies impacting bottom lines. His experience includes securing substantial government incentives, developing restructuring plans, asset disposal, business savings, and obtaining favourable industry, trade, and regulatory settings.
“Mr Hobbs has a great automotive industry pedigree and brings a wealth of experience in policy and advocacy work for the industry,” said Frank Agostino, MTAA Chairman. “These attributes will be critical for MTAA, particularly given the anticipated changes and disruption the industry will experience as we transition to an electric vehicle fleet.”
Hobbs will work closely with member MTAA bodies – the Victorian and Tasmanian automotive chambers of commerce (VACC and TACC), along with the motor trade associations of WA, NSW, SA / NT, and Queensland. He will also focus on working with industry and government, with the creation of policy and industry submissions, and building strong relationships between the MTAA and policy makers, being key priorities.