GLT Trailers is proud to announce that Chief Executive Officer Shay Chalmers has been appointed
President of Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA).
The appointment reflects Shay’s longstanding commitment to industry advocacy, stakeholder
engagement and building stronger connections between businesses, government and the communities
that rely on Australia’s heavy vehicle sector.
Speaking on her appointment, Shay said she was honoured to have been entrusted by HVIA members to
help lead the association through its next chapter.
“I am incredibly proud and excited to take on the role of HVIA President. This is a significant
honour and one that I approach with a strong sense of responsibility to our members and the
broader industry.”
“HVIA plays a vital role in representing the businesses that design, manufacture, distribute,
maintain and support the vehicles and equipment that keep Australia moving. I am looking
forward to working alongside our members, board and leadership team to continue building a
strong, respected and forward-looking industry association.”
Shay said one of her key priorities would be ensuring HVIA remains closely connected to its members and
continues to advocate for the issues that matter most to industry.
“The strength of any association comes from its members. The best outcomes are achieved
when people are willing to share ideas, challenge thinking and contribute to the
conversation.”
“I want HVIA to continue listening, evolving and delivering value for the businesses it
represents. Whether the focus is workforce capability, industry promotion, safety, innovation,
productivity, regulatory reform and national harmonisation, or advocacy, our members’
voices need to remain at the centre of what we do.”
As part of her appointment, Shay also acknowledged the significance of becoming the first woman to hold
the position in HVIA’s history.
“While my focus is firmly on serving our members and industry, I do recognise the significance of
being the first female President of HVIA. It is encouraging to see our industry and the
organisations that represent it continuing to evolve.”
“Our associations should reflect the industries they serve. Across transport, manufacturing
and related sectors we’re seeing more women contributing in leadership, operational,
technical and frontline roles, and that diversity of experience only strengthens our
industry.”
At GLT Trailers, women make up 50 per cent of the company’s leadership team, reflecting a commitment
to ensuring leadership opportunities are based on capability, contribution and potential.
Shay also paid tribute to outgoing HVIA President John Drake, Managing Director of The Drake Group,
thanking him for his contribution to the association and the industry.
“I’d like to sincerely thank John for his leadership, commitment and service to HVIA. He has
been a strong advocate for our industry and has helped guide the association through an
important period of growth and development. I wish him every success for the future and
thank him for the contribution he has made to both HVIA and the broader heavy vehicle
sector.”
Shay is encouraging HVIA members and industry stakeholders to actively engage with the association
and share their views on future priorities.
“I would love to hear directly from industry members about what they would like to see more
of from HVIA in the years ahead.”
“Please reach out, start a conversation or share your thoughts online. The more feedback we
receive from our members, the better positioned we are to represent the needs of our
industry.”