Greg Harford has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Canberra Business Chamber.

Mr Harford was the Chief Executive of Retail NZ, the peak body for New Zealand’s retail sector. A regular visitor to the ACT for many years, he will move to Canberra.

Mr Harford will take up his appointment at the end of July.

He succeeds Graham Catt, who resigned in March to head Independent Schools Australia, the national peak body for private schools.

• Graham Catt: ‘A privilege’ to lead the Canberra Business Chamber (4 March)

The Chamber describes Mr Harford as “an experienced associations leader, advocacy professional, and communicator”, who is “passionate about the role of business in driving good economic and social outcomes”.

As the new CEO, Mr Harford said he is committed to driving the economic prosperity and growth of the ACT through business. He will work closely with Chamber members and the Canberra business community to support their growth and transformation.

“I am honoured to be given this opportunity to lead the Canberra Business Chamber, and I look forward to working with our members and stakeholders,” Mr Harford said. “Canberra is a great city with lots to offer, and I’m really excited about my new role and working with businesspeople across the ACT.”

Archie Tsirimokos, Chair of the Canberra Business Chamber, said: “The Board and members of the Canberra Business Chamber are pleased to welcome Greg to Canberra. Greg is an experienced leader, and his leadership will be instrumental in representing Canberra business in furthering the strategic direction of the Chamber.”