Moon takes the reins at AIIA

The Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) has replaced outgoing CEO, Rob Durie, with former Manpower director of recruitment, Sheryle Moon, who will take over the role immediately.

Durie, AIIA CEO for the past seven years, said the motivation behind leaving the role was to inject some new blood into the organisation. Moon was the ideal candidate to lead the charge on IT recruitment issues for AIIA members.

"We have spent a lot of energy on the skills issue and it will continue to be an important focus. Moon has been an adviser on those issues and is all over it like a rash," Durie said.

"The second challenge is to get more community, government and business awareness about the role ICT plays across the economy in driving economic growth.

"While I was CEO we have maintained leadership as the national association representing the IT industry, influenced government policy in industry, particularly around the way the government buys ICT services. And after many years we've persuaded the government to limit liability in contracts so there is more sharing of risk between the government and supplier in relation to ICT projects."

Moon comes directly to the AIIA from her previous role as director of recruitment and staffing solutions for Manpower Services Australia where she was responsible for recruitment process outsourcing between Manpower and the Australian Defence Force (ADF). She currently sits on a number of Australian government advisory boards.

Moon said she would be working directly with AIIA stakeholders to ensure ICT is recognised as "a vital driver of productivity, job growth, social advancement and economic prosperity for all Australians".

AIIA chairman and managing director of services firm KAZ Computer Services, Peter Kazacos, said he was confident Moon would continue to build on the solid gains made by the association during Rob's time as leader.

"Rob leaves with him a substantial legacy and a stronger, more prominent industry association," he said.

"He has successfully mapped a path for our industry which will see it acknowledged for its vital role in enabling economic growth and prosperity."