GLT Trailers Chief Executive Officer Shay Chalmers has been elected the new President of Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA), the first female president in the national industry organisation’s history.
Elected at HVIA’s 56th Annual General Meeting in Melbourne on Thursday, October 29, she succeeds The Drake Group’s Managing Director John Drake, who retires after serving nine years on the board and seven-and-a-half as President.
HVIA Chief Executive Officer Todd Hacking says it’s great to have Shay Chalmers elected as the first female President of HVIA following her joining the board two years ago representing member GLT.
Shay is a highly experienced engineering and manufacturing executive, with more than 20 years’ global experience in a wide range of manufacturing environments from steel to medical devices, and a wide range of roles, from the shop floor to executive management, covering private, public and not-for-profit sectors. She joined GLT as CEO in 2023, overseeing a manufacturing firm with 130 staff, leading innovation in semi-trailers through cutting-edge technologies, and setting new standards for sustainability and performance.
The appointment reflects Shay’s long-standing commitment to industry advocacy, stakeholder engagement and building stronger connections between businesses, government and the communities that rely on Australia’s heavy vehicle sector.
“I’ve enjoyed Shay’s contributions at board level. They are considered, genuine and passionate. She leapt straight in from the start and one of our first interactions was at The Industry School’s ‘Rookies Challenge’ at Emu Gully, where she took part in the activities including jumping in the mud pit with the young people,” Todd says.
“Shay brings immense skill, experience and between her and Miles Crawford as Vice President, they ensure a strong, united and balanced leadership team, which will propel HVIA to even greater heights.”
Shay says she is honoured to have been entrusted by HVIA members to help lead the association through its next chapter.
“I am incredibly proud and excited to take on the role of HVIA President. This is a significant honour and one that I approach with a strong sense of responsibility to our members and the broader industry,” she says
“HVIA plays a vital role in representing the businesses that design, manufacture, distribute, maintain and support the vehicles and equipment that keep Australia moving. I am looking forward to working alongside our members, board and leadership team to continue building a strong, respected and forward-looking industry association.”
Shay says one of her key priorities will be ensuring HVIA remains closely connected to its members and continues to advocate for the issues that matter most to industry.
“The strength of any association comes from its members. The best outcomes are achieved when people are willing to share ideas, challenge thinking and contribute to the conversation,” she says.
“I want HVIA to continue listening, evolving and delivering value for the businesses it represents, whether the focus is workforce capability, industry promotion, safety, innovation, productivity, regulatory reform or national harmonisation.
“I would love to hear directly from industry members about what they would like to see more of from HVIA in the years ahead. Please reach out, start a conversation or share your thoughts online. The more feedback we receive from our members, the better positioned we are to represent the needs of our industry.”
Shay also acknowledges the significance of becoming the first woman to hold the position in HVIA’s history.
“While my focus is firmly on serving our members and industry, I do recognise the significance of being the first female President of HVIA. It is encouraging to see our industry and the organisations that represent it continuing to evolve,” she says.
“Our associations should reflect the industries they serve. Across transport, manufacturing and related sectors we’re seeing more women contributing in leadership, operational, technical and frontline roles, and that diversity of experience only strengthens our industry.”
As a result of the AGM election, Directors Rod Cunningham, Daniel Whitehead and Miles Crawford were re-elected but HVIA members added a new Director in Andrew Hadjikakou (pictured above with Shay Chalmers).
Andrew, the Managing Director of Dandenong-based Alltruck Bodies, needs no introduction having formally represented PACCAR Australia as a HVIA member and as a former Truck Industry Council (TIC) President.
“Andrew is HVIA’s first body builder representative to join the board, again ensuring a diverse spread of views at the table,” Todd Hacking adds.
About HVIA
Originally incorporated in 1970 (as Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Qld), HVIA is one of Australia’s most dynamic and effective member-based associations, boasting a suite of member services, education and training programs, publications, and events including the Brisbane Truck Show.
HVIA represents the entire industry involved in the design, manufacture, importation, distribution, modification, sale, service and repair of on-road vehicles with a gross vehicle mass or aggregate trailer mass over 3.5 tonnes as well as their components, equipment and technology.
Its membership of 300+ organisations includes every truck OEM, top 50 trailer manufacturers, every major component supplier as well as heavy vehicle dealers, technology, equipment and component suppliers, segments of the repair and maintenance industry, and the engineers and consultants that support each of these businesses.