Past and present BCA presidents joined members and special guests from business and the community at a council dinner tonight to farewell Chief Executive Katie Lahey after almost a decade at the helm of the organisation.

The event at Sydney’s Sofitel Wentworth Hotel provided an opportunity to acknowledge the significant contribution of Ms Lahey to public policy advocacy, and to Australia’s peak business advocacy group representing top 100 companies.

Almost 200 attendees heard reflections on Ms Lahey’s leadership from current President Graham Bradley, and former presidents Hugh Morgan, Michael Chaney and Grieg Gailey. Mr Bradley read out a note from former president John Schubert, who could not attend.

“Working alongside a series of presidents, through different political and economic environments, Katie has played a big part in shaping an organisation that has an important leadership role in Australia today,” Mr Bradley told the dinner.

“I know members share my regret at losing such a capable chief executive, who has proudly and confidently represented the membership and its agenda, and also encouraged us to see the big picture and lead in the national interest.

“But as Katie said when announcing her decision, it’s healthy for an organisation to change leaders, and it’s healthy for leaders to change their roles,” he said.

Ms Lahey, who joined the BCA in September 2001 and who will take up a new role as the Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand for Korn/Ferry International, finishes her final day in the job tomorrow.

Her departure is part of an orderly transition to a new chief executive at the BCA.

President Graham Bradley has been leading the selection process for a new chief executive, with the successful candidate from a highly impressive field expected to be announced soon.