Accommodation Australia (AA) has appointed former boss of the Australian Airports Association, James Goodwin, as its new CEO.
Goodwin, who commences the role on September 1, becomes the association’s second leader, following the amalgamation of Tourism Accommodation Australia and the Australian Accommodation Association in July 2023, and succeeds Michael Johnson, who retired in June.
Following an extensive recruitment process, AA chairman David Mansfield said the Board was thrilled to welcome Goodwin’s skills and experience.
“In James Goodwin we have the perfect person to head the Association in the challenging period in the lead-up to the Federal election and beyond, as we deliver on our purpose to be an influential advocate for a better future,” said Mansfield.
“Given his background, he is obviously no stranger to member associations and has a proven track record of putting his members first – something which is our top priority at AA.
“Based in Canberra, and with an extensive network of contacts, James will be a strong and effective voice for our industry in the corridors of power and will continue to build on the good work of Michael and his team.
“The Board and I look forward to working closely with him when he takes up the position at the start of September.”
A former CEO of the Australian Airports Association, who departed the role in July, and a former head of ANCAP Safety, Goodwin has also previously worked at the Australian Automobile Association and Airservices Australia and is currently chair of the Board of St John Ambulance Australia (ACT) and Board Member of Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT).
Goodwin said he is proud to represent the 1700 properties with more than 120,000 rooms that are part of Accommodation Australia.
“The accommodation sector is vital to the economic and social fabric of our communities, and I look forward to working with members to demonstrate a strong and united voice to government,” he said.
“We need to work collaboratively with decision makers to address skills shortages across the sector, the challenges of the tourism recovery and continuing to lead the way to meet net zero targets.”