Ai Group appoints Innes Willox as Chief Executive

The Australian Industry Group has appointed Innes Willox as the organisation’s new Chief Executive, effective from 1 May.

Willox has held his current role as Director International and Government Relations since 2008 and succeeds Heather Ridout in the Chief Executive’s role.

Innes Willox, new Chief Executive of Ai Group.

Beginning his career as a journalist, Willox served as the Australian Consul General to Los Angeles from 2006 to 2008 and as Chief of Staff to Alexander Downer from 2004 to 2006. He currently sits on several boards and committees including the Board of Innovation Australia and the Defence Industry Innovation Board.

Ai Group National President Lucio Di Bartolomeo praised outgoing Chief Executive Heather Ridout for her contribution to the company and Australian business in general. “There has been no greater advocate for Australian industry than Heather Ridout. She has devoted 33 years to Ai Group and leaves the organisation in great shape both financially and operationally. She leaves with enormous goodwill and our sincere thanks,” Di Bartolomeo said in a media release.

Ridout has been appointed to the Board of the Reserve Bank of Australia and will continue to represent Ai Group on a number of external bodies including Skills Australia and the AustralianSuper Trustee Board.