Caravan Industry Association announces leadership transition
As respected Chair Grant Wilckens steps down the Association’s Board endorses Donna Cocking as his successor
Caravan Industry Association of Australia, the peak national body for the caravanning and camping industry, has announced a transition in leadership, with Chair Grant Wilckens to conclude his tenure on the Board following the next meeting in September.
During his time as Chair, Wilckens has led the industry through a period of record growth while also guiding it through unprecedented challenges, including flooding, bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic. Through his leadership, Australia’s caravan and camping industry has become a powerhouse of the national visitor economy, contributing more than $27 billion in economic impact and 60 million visitor nights annually.
“Grant’s impact on the industry has been profound and the Association has benefited greatly from his strategic vision and purposeful leadership over the past seven years,” said Caravan Industry Association of Australia Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Lamont.
“Through his leadership and unwavering passion for the industry, we have witnessed not only significant growth, but Grant has also supported greater collaboration between State Associations and the national body, and helped lead the implementation of improved safety and compliance standards, delivering greater consumer protections.
“On behalf of the industry, I extend my sincere thanks to Grant. He departs the Board with the industry stronger and more unified than ever, and well positioned for continued growth and success.”
Wilckens first joined the Association’s Board of Directors in 2015, following the merger of industry’s two former national representative bodies, before he was promoted to the role of Chair in 2017.
Following his decision to step down, the Association’s Board met and endorsed Donna Cocking as his successor. Cocking will assume the Chair role, from the end of the September Board meeting.
Cocking, the Director of Experience Holiday Parks, is a passionate regional tourism operator and a strong advocate for accreditation and training to support industry growth. She formerly spent eight years as a Board Member of the Caravan Industry Association of Western Australia, including three as President, and has spent a combined eight years as a Board Member of the National Industry Association, including four years as Deputy Chair, a position she currently holds.
She is also a Life Member of the Caravan Industry Association of Western Australia, a recipient of the National Association’s Chairman’s Award, as well as the Richard Davis OAM Award, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the industry. Cocking was also previously President of the Peel Chamber of Commerce for 13 years.
“The caravan industry is an eco-system, one which relies on consumer confidence, and all sectors of the industry, trade parks and the supply chain, contributing to its success,” said incoming Chair Donna Cocking.
“The industry has enormous potential and is much loved by Australian consumers. While there are some headwinds in market at present, the National Board remains committed to its strategic direction and stable leadership to navigate towards a prosperous future for the sector. I look forward to continuing to work hard with all stakeholders so that we all can benefit from a strong caravanning and camping industry.
“I thank Grant for his leadership over the last decade, I have been honoured to learn from and share this journey with him. The position of Chair is a privileged one, and I welcome the opportunity to lead the industry to even greater heights.”
The executive team will work closely together until September, to ensure stability and a smooth leadership transition.
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