Katherine Winchester changes mind on Chamber of Commerce job, prompting strategic review
A leading NT business association will soon begin the hunt anew for a new chief executive after their first pick accepted the gig but then apparently got cold feet. Read what happened.
Northern Territory
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The Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce will undertake an organisational strategic review after new chief executive Katherine Winchester rescinded her acceptance of the role just weeks after her appointment was announced.
The Chamber flagged the review with staff after Ms Winchester signalled during her transition into the role she would not take on the gig after all.
Her transition began on December 9 and was due conclude in the new year.
The Chamber board has appointed Glen Hingley interim general manager, effective immediately.
Departing CEO Greg Ireland’s term concludes on Tuesday.
At the time of her appointment in early December, Ms Winchester said she was “thrilled” to bring her experience and passion for governance and advocacy to the role.
Ms Winchester, who had a 19-year career at the Northern Territory Seafood Council, including 16 as CEO, referred an inquiry about her future with the Chamber of Commerce back to the organisation, but it shone no light on the reasons why the appointment fell through.
The Chamber told staff the decision to appoint Mr Hingley general manager had been taken to ensure continuity of operations and member services.
The strategic review is likely to take several months.
Chamber president Natasha Griggs said the organisation was disappointed Ms Winchester would not be taking the chief executive role
“Katherine’s leadership and experience was highly anticipated and we are disappointed and saddened that she will not be taking on the position of chief executive with the Chamber of Commerce NT,” Ms Griggs said.
“We are looking forward to working with her to further the Chamber’s mission and goals and to strengthen our support of Territory businesses.
“However, we fully respect her decision and wish her success in her future endeavours.
“We remain grateful for the professionalism and enthusiasm she demonstrated throughout the selection process and are confident that she will continue to make a significant impact in whatever path she chooses.”
She said staff had been informed of the change and the Chamber board would work with Mr Hingley, a former general manager of Tourism Top End, and senior leadership to ensure a smooth transition.
“We understand change can be challenging, however, we are using this transition as an opportunity to review our processes, refocus our operational efficiency and understand how we can deliver more benefit and value to our members, which is always our guiding purpose.”
In other changes at the Chamber, Alice Springs-based chief operating officer Nicole Walsh will leave the organisation to take on the head of programs role at the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA).
Ms Walsh will remain based in the town in her new role, having spent five years with the Chamber of Commerce.
Before that, she was marketing manager at Yeperenye Shopping Centre.
Mrs Griggs lauded her departing colleague.
“Nicole has been a fantastic contributor to the Chamber over many years as a former board member and chief operating officer and been a huge advocate for the regions and has done an outstanding job,” Ms Griggs said.
“Nicole will be sorely missed but I’m hopeful we’ll work in partnership in her new role with COSBOA to advance the Northern Territory, businesses and the economy.”
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Originally published as Katherine Winchester changes mind on Chamber of Commerce job, prompting strategic review
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