Former National Retailers Association CEO Dominique Lamb has announced the start of her new role as the Head of External Communications at Airservices Australia.
In a LinkedIn post, the former head of the National Retailers Association said she has “officially transitioned” into her new role.
“This is the start of a new journey into Corporate Affairs & Communications – representing another national brand that is responsible for keeping our skies safe,” she wrote.
“Over the next few years, the One Sky Australia program will transform the skies, with Airservices Australia working in conjunction with the Department of Defence (to create one advanced integrated system) that will bolster more efficient air services, support future air traffic growth and enhance our national security.
“This program will deliver more than $1.2 billion of economic benefits to the Australian airspace users over the next 20 years (using next generation technology and world-class infrastructure).
“The sky really is the limit and I look forward to sharing more exciting stories with you over the coming months and years.”
Lamb and former chairman Mark Brodie both departed the National Retailers Association amid growing media coverage around rumoured funding from tobacco companies.
Current NRA chairman Tim Schaafsma had weighed in earlier this month on the departure of long-serving CEO Dominique Lamb.
"As I mentioned in my communication to members last week, Dominique has been the CEO of the organisation for seven years, and was the Director of NRA Legal for two years before that,” Schaafsma said.
"Her service to the NRA and to the retail sector has been remarkable, and we wish her well as she tackles a new career challenge."
In his full statement, Schaafsma defended the organisation's handling of the matter and questioned media coverage of the move.
"You may have seen some media coverage relating to Dom’s departure, and criticism that we chose to reveal this information first to our members rather than to the media.
"That doesn’t bother me – frankly, the members of the NRA had the right to know this information first.
"What does bother me is that some in the sector have taken the opportunity to spread misinformation about the recent changes in the Association’s leadership.
"For the record, we are disappointed to see Dominique move on, but we understand and strongly support her desire to explore new horizons."
He said former chair Brodie also decided to move on after 22 years to make way for generational change.
NRA deputy CEO Lindsay Carroll is now the interim CEO for the organisation.
"So that’s the back story to the change in leadership," Schaafsma continued. "While it suits the agenda of some to portray this as “turmoil” or “controversy”, it’s nothing that hasn’t occurred in every other Boardroom across the country at some point.
"However, I’m most disappointed that the media coverage has failed to give Dominique due credit for her remarkable work as a visionary female leader in the retail advocacy space.
"Under her guidance, the NRA has been at the leading edge of advocacy for initiatives such as reducing single-use plastic, rent relief for businesses during COVID, development of skills and training programs, domestic violence leave and many more.
"On Dom’s watch the NRA has achieved significant influence with all levels of government, and that has made our industry policy division the “go-to” choice for governments seeking to connect with retailers.
"The NRA’s personnel have conducted tens of thousands of face-to-face meetings with retailers across Australia to help them understand the impact of changing regulations such as drink container deposits or reuseable shopping bags, or to help keep their staff and customers safe from violence.
"Dominique leaves the NRA with an extremely healthy balance sheet, and with a strong, diverse and growing membership base. Her efforts have helped the NRA become the voice of modern Australian retail. Good luck Dom, and on behalf of all members of the National Retail Association, we say thank you."