PROMINENT Western Australian business leader Diane Smith-Gander AO is to take over as chair of the Committee for the Economic Development of Australian from Paul McClintock AO in November.

Moreover, Australian economic and policy gurus, Professor Jeff Borland and Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM have been appointed to the CEDA Board.

CEDA chief executive Melinda Cilento said Ms Smith-Gander brought a wealth of experience from corporate Australia combined with a keen interest in progressing social issues. 

Ms Smith-Gander has been a member of CEDA’s Board since 2015 as well as holding a range of corporate roles.

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She recently served as a panel member of the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority Capability Review commissioned by the Treasurer Josh Frydenberg.

Ms Smith-Gander said it would be an honour to lead CEDA and succeed Mr McClintock.

“Paul’s outstanding stewardship of CEDA has included a focus in recent years to reposition the organisation to have a greater voice and impact in driving good social and economic development,” she said.

“This makes it an exciting time to take over as chair.”

 Mr McClintock said it had been a privilege to lead CEDA.

“CEDA turns 60 in 2020 and I hope the work undertaken during my tenure as Chair to move CEDA towards a greater policy advocacy role, will ensure CEDA stays strong for many more decades to come,” he said.