Consult Australia has appointed a new president, its 37th since the organisation’s inception 71 years ago.
Tasos Katopodis has been appointed to the role and will serve two years as President.
Mr Katopodis is an Executive Leader for Ventures and Construction Services at GHD, and was previously Consult Australia’s Vice President.
Consult Australia is the industry association representing consulting businesses in design, advisory and engineering – an industry comprised of more than 55,000 businesses across Australia, from some of the nation’s top 500 companies to many vibrant small and start-up businesses.
Consult Australia’s CEO, Jonathan Cartledge, said that Mr Katopodis has more than 30 years of experience in the consulting sector, has led large teams, is a passionate champion of diversity and inclusion, and an outstanding contributor to Consult Australia.
Mr Katopodis said Consult Australia plays a unique role in the built environment industry.
“No other association is focused on advocating for consulting businesses,” Mr Katopodis said.
“Consult Australia’s team does outstanding work to advocate for fairer procurement, contracting, liability and insurance and to ensure we flex appropriate muscle. I look forward to working with the Board of Directors to elevate our members’ voices and these important issues with governments.
“Consult Australia is laser focused on ensuring members have profitable businesses. But most of us chose our professions because we had a higher purpose. Whether we are tackling climate change or solving a technical challenge, we want our work to make a difference – and I’m looking forward to supporting our members to do just that.”
Mr Cartledge also paid tribute to outgoing President Rowenna Walker, Aurecon’s Managing Director for New South Wales and the ACT.
“Rowenna steered Consult Australia through the choppy waters of Covid and the changeover in CEO,” Mr Cartledge said.
“She has overseen the development of our new strategy, achieved higher levels of influence with key government stakeholders and deeper engagement with industry – and I’m sure I speak for all members when I say we are a stronger association for Rowenna’s contribution.”
