Search begins for new Chamber boss as Greg Ireland moves on

A peak Territory body is looking for a new boss after its CEO stepped aside. Read why there’s change.

Change is on the way at the NT Chamber of Commerce, with chief executive Greg Ireland announcing his intention to step aside.

The NT peak business-body’s boss since 2020, Mr Ireland will leave the role at the end of the year after an eventful four-and-a-half-years at the helm.

A search for his replacement will begin on Friday, with chamber president Natasha Griggs acknowledging Mr Ireland’s role through challenging times.

“Greg has successfully guided the Chamber through some very difficult times, and we thank

him for his commitment and contributions,” Mrs Griggs said.

“His efforts were key to the Chamber’s resilience and continued support of our members. On behalf of the board, we wish Greg every success in his future endeavours.”

NT Chamber of Commerce chief executive Greg Ireland is expected to leave the job by year’s end.

Mr Ireland was a founding director of Darwin-based high-tech security company STS, which was sold to an international buyer in 2019.

He was a chamber board member for eight years, with six of those as chairman before being appointed chief executive in April 2020.

“The Chamber is in a good place, our advocacy is being heard, our events are well attended and valued, and our service delivery is stable and professional,” he said.

“However, we cannot rest and think that we have done enough, there will always

be challenges to face and problems to solve, and the board will ensure that my replacement will be the right person to undertake the next phase of this journey.”

He said the time for leadership transition was right, with the recent change of government in the NT and the likelihood the new CLP administration would last at least two terms.

NT Chamber of Commerce president Natasha Griggs.

“I think the transition should take place with a together attitude in mind and for the new chief executive to be able to develop relationships with the government and stakeholders over the long term.

“It’s about the Chamber’s next five to 10 years and about the future of the relationship for all organisations.”

Acknowledging the enormous challenge presented by covid-19, he said they were overcome by people and organisations banding together. He said the pandemic made it important to develop new associations and re-boot old ones.

“Covid opened the door for us to work together, rebuild old friendships, forge new ones and make sure everybody could see we were engaged in working together.”

Trent Twomey, Advance Cairns and Greg Ireland, NT Chamber of Commerce with former Prime Minister Tony Abbott in 2015. Picture: Marc McCormack

Mrs Griggs said the opportunity to lead the NT Chamber of Commerce into a new era was “compelling and exciting”.

“We are seeking a dynamic and experienced leader with a deep understanding of the Northern Territory business landscape,” she said.

“We are looking for someone who will take up the opportunity to walk on the national stage as one of the state-territory chamber CEO’s and use this as a vehicle to promote the Territory and to shape business thinking nationally.

“This role offers the chance to build on the Chamber’s foundation, foster innovation, and drive

continued advocacy for businesses across the Northern Territory. We expect this opportunity

to attract significant interest, as it is a key leadership position within the NT’s business

community.”

The job description points to a membership-based role with political as well as industry considerations at the forefront.

It said the ideal candidate would “be politically savvy, yet apolitical in all dealings and negotiations with Government.”

Additionally they will be well known and respected “in political, industry, business and community circles”, have strong financial acumen and a “commitment to the highest levels of organisational governance.”