Chris Rodwell assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Western Australia (CCIWA) in early 2018. Since commencement Chris has led a significant strategic reset of the organisation to strengthen its impact. During this time the CCIWA has secured significant policy change in areas including GST distribution, payroll tax and skilled migration.
Prior to joining, Chris spent an extended period abroad developing Australia’s international trade and investment footprint. His work in international business spans Australasia, North America, Latin America and Europe.
Over the course of his career he has held a number of board, advisory and senior executive posts for organisations engaged in trade & investment, education & training, and workplace health & safety. These include:
- Board Director, Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (current)
- Member, Streamline WA Steering Committee (current)
- Member, Invest & Trade WA Advisory Forum (current)
- Trade Commissioner, Mexico, Central America & the Caribbean, Austrade
- Trade & Investment Commissioner – The Americas, Queensland Government
- Queensland Director and Member, National Executive, Ai Group
- Chair, SkillsTech Australia (TAFE Queensland)
- Member, Queensland Premier’s Employment Taskforce
- Board Director, QMI Solutions
- Board Director, Q-COMP
- Board Director, Workplace Health & Safety Queensland
- Member, Queensland Industry Advisory Group
Earlier in his career, Chris worked in public relations consultancy, both in Australia and Europe, where he consulted to companies across the financial services, technology, infrastructure and life sciences sectors. Chris began his career in Canberra where he worked as a policy advisor with the Australian Industry Group. This followed the completion of a graduate program with the Department of Defence.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts (Communication) degree from Charles Sturt University and graduated with the prize for Political Science. He has also completed the Australian Company Directors’ Course. He is married to Katie and together they raise four children, Max, Harri, Oscar and Lucinda.