Business SA is on the hunt for a new boss as Martin Haese returns to private enterprise

Business SA will conduct a wide-ranging search for a new boss after Martin Haese elected to head back into business himself after three years in the role.

Business SA is on the hunt for a new chief executive after Martin Haese announced he will step down and return to private business.

Mr Haese, who took on the top role in May 2019 after serving as lord mayor of Adelaide City Council from 2014-18, said he was keen to develop some business and investment ideas of his own.

Mr Haese launched his first business aged just 22, and while that failed, he went on to launch the successful Youthworks retail store network in the 1990s, which eventually expanded to include 16 stores employing more than 200 people.

In recent years, as well as serving as lord mayor, he has also sat on a number of boards, including the Premier’s Climate Change Council which he chairs, the Australian Broadband Advisory Council, and he was a founding member of Entrepreneurs Organisation (EO) in SA.

Mr Haese said he had always intended to delve back into business full-time, and the time was now right.

Business SA’s outgoing chief executive Martin Haese . Picture: Kelly Barnes

He said he was proud of Business SA’s advocacy on issues such as land tax and payroll tax over the past three years, and its contribution to the public discourse around how governments should respond to the pandemic.

“Business SA stepped up at a time when it was needed most,’’ he said.

“The credit for that effort goes to the board and to every member of my team who have played a key role in helping thousands of business owners navigate the uncertainties of the last couple of years.

“Having formerly owned a national retail business, I am looking forward to re-engaging in commercial life.

“It has been an honour to support Business SA’s members over recent years as I have great respect for anyone who takes a risk to build a better future for themselves and their families.

“Now, I want to do the same.’’

Business SA chair Nikki Govan said under Mr Haese’s leadership, the organisation had experienced significant membership growth, and an expansion in sponsorships and partnerships.

Business SA chair Nikki Govan in Victoria Square. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Mr Haese spearheaded the change to a new membership model which had been successful in growing member numbers, and the organisation would be looking for a new chief executive with similar commercial strengths, Ms Govan said.

“We’ll be looking for someone with a really strong record of success in running a business, a strong commercial focus.

“We want to be a leader for the business community so we have to be financially sustainable and there’s a lot of challenges for membership organisations to have that.

“It’s a big job ... we’re certainly looking for a person that will be respected by both major (political) parties.’’

Mr Haese will stay with Business SA until the middle of the year or until it has found a new chief executive.

Ms Govan said the search for a new leader would include interstate and potentially even international candidates.