Appointment of Chief Executive Officer
Arboriculture Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Cameron Hills as the
association’s new Chief Executive Officer. Cameron will commence his new role in late August 2017.
Cameron brings to the position an extensive career working for representative associations. He has
experience in both the wine and sheep industries, including with Australia’s peak wine industry body
– the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia, as well as most recently the South Australian Stud
Merino Sheepbreeders’ Association, where he was engaged as its Executive Officer. Other roles in
industry development and industry training make Cameron an asset who will be integral to the
ongoing development of Arboriculture Australia.
Announcing Cameron’s appointment, Arboriculture Australia Chair, Craig Hallam, said: “Cameron
was chosen in a competitive selection process from a strong field of candidates. The process was
extensive, including consultation with other green industry associations, locally and internationally,
to ensure this new position was appropriate and covered all facets of this dynamic industry.
Although the process took some time, the broad consultation was important to ensure the
association selected the right candidate. The Directors and Advisors are very confident that
Cameron’s collaborative management style, in concert with broad executive experience within
leading industry bodies, will be invaluable to the realisation of Arboriculture Australia’s strategic
objectives.”
Reflecting on his appointment, Cameron said: “I am both honoured and excited to have been
selected to work with Arboriculture Australia. The body has demonstrated clear leadership for the
benefit of the industry, and is motivated to build on its success with a host of future opportunities. I
am enthused to be playing a part in the success of the association and the arboriculture industry.”
When considering the appointment of the most suitable candidate for the Chief Executive Officer
position for Arboriculture Australia, the selection panel noted that Cameron could point to a number
of career highlights.
Cameron was the project leader for the World Merino Insight – a week long program of activities for
both international and Australian sheep industry leaders that took place in Adelaide. In order to
ensure its success, Cameron was able to secure a healthy level of industry and government funding
support, and able to execute the program that delivered both a memorable and worthwhile
experience for all delegates that participated. During his time at the SA Stud Merino Sheep Breeders’
Association, Cameron has created and strengthened links with the woollen fashion industry, while
encouraging young sheep enthusiasts to pursue a career in the industry through the renowned
Merino Wethers Competition.
Career highlights in the wine industry included the development of the tourism award winning
Riverland Wine and Food Festival, the Riverland Wine and Winegrape Research and Development
Blueprint, and the creation of a host of teaching aids for professional wine educators.
Cameron said: “I am looking forward to meeting the members of Arboriculture Australia™ as well as
the affiliated professional organisations that share the association’s values and interests.”