Evans will start at the end of October
Cath Evans will become chief executive of the Committee for Melbourne and Member Success at the end of October. She will succeed Scott Veenker, who has led the organisation for six years.
The Committee for Melbourne Advisory Board announced the appointment. Evans brings 25 years of experience leading large multi-site organisations across Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Most recently, she served as Executive Director (Victoria) at the Property Council of Australia. That role gave her experience in stakeholder engagement, advocacy and organisational transformation.
Evans has also worked as a lawyer and served as a director on several boards. Her background includes strategic development, innovation, leadership and governance.
“Melbourne is one of Australia’s greatest cities, and I am delighted to be joining the Committee for Melbourne at such a pivotal time for the organisation’s future,” Evans said.
She plans to use her understanding of Victoria’s business and policy landscape in the role. An early priority will be shaping the organisation’s direction and renewing the value it offers members.
Scott Veenker’s new chamber role
Veenker will move to the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry as chief growth officer. The Committee for Melbourne was formerly the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce.
Meanwhile, the merged organisation is building on the link between the Victorian Chamber and the former Melbourne Chamber of Commerce. Member Success is part of Evans’ new title.
Veenker welcomed the appointment and pointed to Evans’ standing in Melbourne’s business community. He called her policy and advocacy experience a strong asset for both the Committee for Melbourne and the Victorian Chamber.
“Her leadership will add to the impactful and proud work shaping the future of Victorian business, particularly as we build on the success of the merger between the Victorian Chamber and Melbourne Chamber of Commerce,” Veenker said.
Before taking up the post at the end of October, Evans thanked the board for its support. She said she wants to harness Melbourne’s potential and turn it into reality.
