AIIA appoints new CEO

Australia’s peak IT vendor representative body has appointed transformation specialist Ron Gauci as its new chief executive.

Ron Gauci

Gauci replaces former CEO Rob Fitzpatrick, who stepped down in November after more than two and a half years to lead energy startup Gelion.

He joins the peak body after more than 30 years in the technology, sports and education sectors, the last ten of which were spent in CEO, non-executive director and chairman roles with numerous organisations.

These include C2 Melbourne, Softball Australia, Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club and Melbourne Polytechnic.

He is the current non-executive director and chairman of Vicsport and non-executive chairman of Brad Teal Real Estate.

Gauci has also previously served as director of the AIIA board and been chairman of AIIA Victoria, and held senior position at Microsoft, Telstra and IBM.

AIIA chairman John Paitaridis said Gauci’s “strategic rigour, deep commercial acumen and compassion to the challenge of leading people through change” made him “perfectly placed to lead the AIIA” into the future.

“Ron’s ability to assess issues and opportunities quickly, identify growth potential, re-energise culture and build profitable businesses has led to several high-profile turnarounds that have cemented Ron’s reputation as a transformational leader and change agent,” he said.

“Together we can create and sustain an environment that will build Australia’s innovation capability, drive positive outcomes and accelerate growth for AIIA members by increasing their profile, providing access to future skills, networking and new business opportunities.”

Gauci will take up the role on Monday next week.