Hemsley elected president of CCIWA

Peet Ltd director Warwick Hemsley has been elected president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia, taking over from Penny Flett.

Mr Hemsley's election was made at the CCIWA's annual general meeting last night.

New members joining the board are Alcoa Austalia managing director Alan Cransberg and operating partner of Lamonts Pty Ltd Kate Lamont.

Below is the announcement:

Warwick Hemsley, an experienced and well respected member of Perth's property industry, has been elected president of the State's peak business organisation, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia.

The non-executive director of nationally listed property and funds management group Peet Limited was elected president last night at CCI's annual general meeting.

Mr Hemsley has been involved with CCI for over 20 years, serving on the Chamber's General Council and Chairing its Capital City Committee.

He succeeds Dr Penny Flett who was CCI's first woman president.

Mr Hemsley began his career with chartered accountants Cooper and Lybrand (now Price Waterhouse Coopers) in 1976 before moving into the property industry. His long-standing association with Peet began in 1985. Over the following 17 years he served as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Mr Hemsley serves in a number of arts and community roles including Deputy Chairman of the West Australian Opera Company and Council Member of the National Gallery of Australia.

Following his appointment as President, Mr Hemsley spoke of the need for governments at all levels to address some of the key barriers confronting WA business and industry.

"Businesses of all sizes always face challenges, but never more so than now. The recent global economic uncertainty has again highlighted the need for urgent action to encourage investment in business and maximise economic growth."

New member representatives joining the CCI Board are Alan Cransberg (Managing Director, Alcoa Australia) and Kate Lamont (Operating Partner, Lamonts Pty Ltd).

The Board of the State's peak business industry group comprises some of Western Australia's most knowledgeable and influential business leaders. They are;

- Chairperson - Warwick Hemsley (Non Executive Director, Peet Limited)
- Vice Chairperson - Peter Hood (Executive Chairman, Equip Health Systems)
- Vice Chairperson - John Atkins (Chairman, Western Australia, ANZ Bank)
- Dr Penny Flett (Chief Executive Officer, Brightwater Care Group)
- David Gray, AM (Managing Director, David Gray & Co)
- Dr Brian Hewitt (Chairman, Georgiou Group)
- Tony Howarth, AO (Chairman, Mermaid Marine)
- Alan Cransberg (Managing Director, Alcoa Australia)
- Kate Lamont (Operating Partner, Lamonts Pty Ltd)