After years working for the makers of pokies and gaming equipment, Andrew Macaulay may be taking the biggest punt of his life: to rebuild Australia's PIAA.
His appointment as chief executive, replacing Jason Allen, has been announced following what the Sydney-based employers' association calls an "extensive recruitment process" which saw more than 100 applicants from within Australia and overseas. Acting president, Kieran May, said the Board was unanimous in its choice.
Recent months have seen the departure of members, board members, key staff and finally Allen himself as the long-established group divided over ways to address change within the industry.
A brief statement says Macaulay offered key strengths which set him apart: "He has shown a demonstrated ability to engage with members at all levels, an ability to grasp key issues to influence decision makers on policy and strategic matters, and an outstanding record in managing recovery and growth."
The statement is shy on detail, mentioning specifically only the NSW Farmers Association, for which Macaulay worked for five years in the late 1990s, his "key strengths" and "strong family values". There's no mention of the roles - listed in his LinkedIn entry - with companies in transaction software and hardware, and what is euphemistically described as "regulated markets" including gaming, notably with pokies makers Aspect Gaming and Aristocrat and casino systems vendor SHL Entertainment. He lists the Australian Institute of Company Directors as his education.
"Macaulay achieved outstanding results in a key role with NSW Farmers Association in a period when their industry experienced significant turmoil," says the unattributed PIAA statement. "His leadership was instrumental in rebuilding confidence within a fractured and demoralised industry sector. More recently he has been instrumental in forging successful multi-level partnerships throughout Australia and South East Asia, driven by his exceptional leadership and strong relationships at Government and stakeholder levels.
"Those who know Andrew, attest to his ability and strong family values."
Certainly, a lot will be expected of him... something acknowledged by the PIAA statement: "The Board was mindful of the expectations of all members and set about to appoint a candidate with a strong record, particularly in stakeholder consultation and communication. Also at front of mind was the need to appoint a CEO who will lead the Association through a period of stabilisation, while simultaneously working to identify areas where members will see tangible benefits."
The PIAA says its board conducted in-depth interviews with short-listed applicants from "both the print industry and other industry backgrounds" and then short-listed them again and followed up with secondary discussions.
It says Macaulay has "expressed priority" to meet industry leaders and members.