David Fraser, MTA Queensland’s Chairman for the past 10 years, and the longest-serving Chairman in the Association’s 90-year history, is to step down from the role in November.

Having led MTA Queensland through a period of change and development that included the Association’s move to a new state-of-the-art administration and training facility in 2012, and having strongly supported the executive team as the Association shifted to embrace the technological evolution of the automotive industry through initiatives such as the MTAiQ Innovation Hub, David said that MTA Queensland was well prepared for the future and it was time for new leaders to come through and tackle the challenges ahead.

“Every position in life has a tenure, and there comes a point when you know it’s the right time to go,” he said. “I have enjoyed my time as Chairman at MTA Queensland and have been proud to witness the Association become the leading peak motor industry body in Australia.

“The automotive industry in this country is set to undergo more change in the next 10 years than it has seen in the last 90,” he added. “Who would have thought, just a few years ago, that we would be driving electric cars, or considering the possibility of flying a car to and from work or being chauffeured around in a vehicle with no driver at all. Technology never stands still, it is always evolving.

“I believe now is the right time to step down and see new leaders come into the industry with fresh ideas and thoughts about change.”

Although he will step down as Chairman of the Board – during which time he also held positions as Director and Vice Chair of the MTA Institute and, by virture of his position at the Association, a seat on Campbell Newman’s Queensland Government business advisory forum body – David will remain engaged with MTA Queensland and committed to its success through his ongoing roles as Director on the Board of MTA Queensland and as Chairman of the Association’s Queensland Farm and Industrial Machinery Division (QFIMDD). That is a position he has held for 15 years and, having spent his entire career working within that industry sector (a sector that is, incidentally, at the forefront of technological innovation) it is one that he is passionate about.

“There is a lot to do in that division,” he said. “Especially in supporting members through specific training on new technology such as farm machinery auto steer guidance and driverless technology, which is used for all sorts of farm applications.”

Having David remain engaged with MTA Queensland will be a tremendous benefit to the Association. His exceptionally strong business background, together with his industry experience and knowledge, will continue to be a great asset.

His career in the industry stretches back to 1974, when he became an apprentice motor mechanic at a Ford tractor dealership in Dalby.

Taking the opportunity to develop his skills through Business Management training, David would go on to develop a stellar business career – joining Chesterfield Australia in 1982 and rising to become the Chief Executive of that organisation in 2004, overseeing a period of sustained growth.

He is still deeply involved in the agricultural sector, now working with McIntosh & Son, Australia’s leading farming, construction, and grounds care machinery and equipment dealer. He currently runs the company’s Dalby dealership and is part of the company’s management group.

On his involvement with MTA Queensland, David said that it was a privilege to have led the Association and he is proud to have been at its helm.

“I felt I needed to give back to an industry that had consumed my whole working life and given me the opportunities that I have been lucky enough to enjoy,” he said. “I am pleased to have had the opportunity to be a part of shaping MTA Queensland as we know it today.

“I have always had the vision for MTA Queensland to be the peak body supporting the motor industry in Queensland and I am proud to have seen the Association develop and grow, move into its new head office and training facility and, as I step down, be in a very sound financial position.”

“David has Chaired the group through one of the toughest periods in our history,” said Dr Brett Dale, CEO of the MTA Queensland Group. “When you look at the skills required by the Chair to navigate that period and guide the Association, we couldn’t have been more fortunate.

“David has brought to the table a steady hand, a sensible approach and an outstanding level of industry and business expertise. He has always put the interests of the Association at the fore; been persuasive, supportive and decisive as the Chair, and managed to bring the Board through some tough times.

“He has backed the executive team 100 per cent and represented industry exceptionally well,” added Dr Dale. “Our focus on innovation and leading opportunities for industry is a huge shift and requires a change in culture and the way we think instinctively. David has led that charge at the Board level and gained a consensus that allowed us to get on with the job and rebuild the business and reputation to its current success.

“He has been truly supportive and a strong leader who will be missed. His successor has big boots to fill!”

Source: Motor Trade E-Magazine (October Edition)

4 Oct 2018