Andrew Fielding Elected BIA President
The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) Board this week voted unanimously in favour of Andrew Fielding to be Chair of the Board and President of the Association.
President Fielding accepted and stepped into the role with immediate effect. Andrew was quick to pay tribute to the leadership of Darren Vaux who will continue on as a Board Director. He said Darren’s contribution had been outstanding and left a legacy of key strategic decisions which had put BIA in a strong position for the years ahead.
BIA is the peak industry body in Australia that represents the interests of recreational and light commercial boating which includes: boat manufacturers, importers, brokers, insurers, retailers, charters, yacht and boat clubs, marinas, events, designers, surveyors and trades from boat builders to riggers, and more. BIA is an advocate for boaters and the boating lifestyle and supports safe, responsible, and enjoyable boating.
The boating economy generates significant benefits through employment. In 2021 the industry reported national turnover of $8.835 billion, directly employed more than 27,630 people with more than 10,000 contractors. Seventy-five per cent are in small, family businesses, employing local workers and supporting local communities.
Andrew Fielding has been employed in the marine industry for over 30 years with experience in yacht brokering, marine retail, wholesale and boat building. Born and raised on the Gold Coast, Andrew studied Tourism and Hospitality, and Maritime Logistics and Management at the Australian Maritime College.
His experience and reputation for being honest, knowledgeable and for providing professional service has made Andrew a leader in his field. He is part of a family marine business which has been operating on the Gold Coast for over 45 years.
Andrew is passionate about all aspects of the marine industry and is focused on seeing its future success. He is also an advocate for boating safety and responsible boat ownership and getting more people into maritime careers.
Having spent the past 40 plus years living by or near the water and having used the waterways on a daily basis for both recreational and business, Andrew is enthusiastic about ensuring our waterways are successfully managed so they can be enjoyed for generations to come and that Australian marine businesses and the industry as a whole prospers and grows well into the future.
The BIA Board appoints a chair annually, and the position of President is limited to three terms under the association’s constitution with the intent of ensuring a cycle of fresh leadership.
For information on boating go to: www.discoverboating.com.au
For information on BIA go to: www.bia.org.au
