TFIA appoints Richard Evans as CEO

TFIA Chairman, Michel Abeysekera, is confident a revitalised era within the TCF sector will evolve through Mr Evans' leadership. "Richard Evans is a highly capable senior executive specialising in industry policy, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our Council."

"Richard specialises in operations and policy and we believe this experience and his political knowledge will be highly valued by our members and the broader market." Mr Abeysekera said. "He will immediately review our policy, operations and structure and provide thought leadership on matters such as industrial relations."

"We are looking forward to the TFIA increasing its standing within the industry policy debate, whilst expanding our services to our members and market," said Mr Abeysekera. "We are very confident Richard will build on the great work of our recent CEO, Jo-Ann Kellock."

Richard Evans has a strong reputation in developing industry associations and Not for Profit organisations.  He has operations and management credentials in industrial relations, management training and mentoring, the development of RTO's and industry CPD competencies. He also has extensive experience in HR placement services, education and training, legal and regulatory services, advocacy, public relations and communications. As a former Federal Member of Parliament, Richard has access to the political process and the networks within it.

Mr Evans said of his appointment, "I am very excited with the opportunity of working with a solid team to provide advocacy, education and increased services to a sector which is in dire need of extra support.”

"My goal is to ensure our creative designers, our significant manufacturers, our wholesalers and our distributors, and our highly competitive retailers have a strong voice in all policy that impacts such an important industry, and we will work hard to ensure they have the support they deserve.”

Richard Evans is the former head of the Australian Retailers Association and the Franchise Council of Australia. He has national, regional and international experience in the development of industry policy and peak industry services for their members.

"It's a new era for the TFIA and we are looking forward to it," said Mr Abeysekera.

The Council of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia has been the voice of the TCF industry for over seventy years.

About the Council of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia (TFIA)

TFIA is the peak Australian TCF industry body.  It is a member driven non-profit association that was first established in the 1940s to provide an umbrella organisation with a focal point for a number of sector specific associations.  

Today the TFIA represents the whole TCF industry and provides effective and influential representation to Government on TCF issues such as industry, trade, environment, education and training.

Council of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia Ltd (TFIA)