Accommodation Australia (AA) has a new CEO
James Goodwin, respected former boss of the Australian Airports Association, takes the helm of the nation’s leading accommodation body
Accommodation Australia (AA) has announced the appointment of James Goodwin, former CEO of the Australian Airports Association, as its new CEO effective from September 1, 2024.
Mr. Goodwin succeeds Michael Johnson, who retired in June, marking the second leadership change since AA’s formation in July 2023 following the merger of Tourism Accommodation Australia and the Australian Accommodation Association.
The appointment came after an extensive recruitment process. AA chairman David Mansfield expressed his enthusiasm that a person of Mr Goodwin’s skills and experience had taken up the position.
“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,” Mr. Mansfield stated.
Mr. Goodwin brings a wealth of experience from his roles at the Australian Airports Association, ANCAP Safety, the Australian Automobile Association, and Airservices Australia. His current positions as chair of the Board of St John Ambulance Australia (ACT) and Board Member of Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) Solutions further highlight his leadership capabilities.
“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.” Mansfield added.
“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.”
Proud to be appointed to represent the sector Mr Goodwin said: “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.
“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,” Mr Goodwin added.
Accommodation Australia represents a diverse range of accommodation providers, including small regional motels, serviced apartments, timeshare properties, bed & breakfasts, pubs with substantial accommodation offerings, and large hotels operated by international groups such as Accor, Hilton, Wyndham, Hyatt, IHG, TFE, Quest, and Marriott. With 1700 properties nationwide and more than 120,000 rooms, AA plays a crucial role in advocating for the accommodation industry.
Mr. Goodwin’s extensive network and proven track record of prioritising member needs position him to effectively lead Accommodation Australia in its next chapter. The Board and industry members eagerly anticipate his contributions starting in September.
Mandy has almost two decades of accommodation and tourism industry writing experience and is Editor of AccomNews & Resort News, Publisher of SchoolNews & Director of Multimedia Pty Ltd. She is a retired registered nurse with a 25-year NHS career that followed a few unforgettable years in hotel housekeeping.
