Chris Rodwell to exit CCIWA

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Western Australia has started searching for its next chief executive after Chris Rodwell announced his resignation.

Mr Rodwell will step down as CCIWA chief executive in March, after seven years in the role.

CCIWA said it would continue to work through its succession process and has started recruitment for its next chief executive.

Mr Rodwell said he and his family will leave the state to return to Sydney, and described the decision as a difficult one to make.

"Our twin sons are headed to university next year and we’ve decided it’s the right time for our younger two, who both have intellectual disabilities, to be closer to family," he said.

“It’s a real honour to serve the people in this state who put their capital at risk, especially the thousands of businesses that choose to be our members.

"It’s their commitment to trade and commerce that will continue to transform the wealth of the state and the nation.

"We will leave with an unbreakable connection to this great State and its boundless opportunities."

He said it had been a privilege to be part of CCIWA’s 134-year legacy in WA.

CCIWA president Nicki Ivory said Mr Rodwell would depart at the end of his contract with the organisation's best wishes.

“During Chris’s tenure, CCIWA led the campaign that delivered WA a fairer share of the GST," she said.

"We also continue to push hard for policy reform across the broad sweep of tax and regulatory issues, particularly the recent industrial relations and environmental regulation reforms.

“Chris has led the organisation through some significant challenges for our business community, including tireless work during the COVID-19 pandemic to advocate for WA businesses and help them recover.”

"Under Chris’s leadership we also tackled complex societal and economic issues that create barriers for women and people with disabilities to participate in the workforce."