The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) has appointed Ben Stockwin as its new CEO.
Mr Stockwin was previously CEO of the Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA) for a period of nine years. He replaces Tim Arnold who left the institute in February.
In a press release, AILA president Shaun Walsh said Mr Stockwin would bring a wide range of skills to the AILA team, having led a diverse national organisation while gaining an appreciation of the intersect between the natural, managed and constructed environments.
“Our cities and regions are facing unprecedented social, cultural and environmental challenges – Mr Stockwin’s extensive experience will help provide leadership to the institute that will continue to raise our membership profile, our engagement with allied organisations and our advocacy to all levels of government,” Walsh said.
“Mr Stockwin was appointed following an open recruitment process and was selected based on the strengths of his experience as a CEO, his proven ability to lead an organisation with members across Australia as well as his common cultural values, dynamic energy and emotional intelligence expressed in successive interviews.
“We are delighted that he will be joining us in the next chapter of AILA’s progression and we look forward to welcoming him to the world of landscape architecture.”
In a statement, Mr Stockwin said it was the institute’s strong social purpose, good governance and vibrant membership that made the role appealing.
“The role will allow me to continue to work with an organisation that improves the lives of Australians in multiple ways and I look forward to building on the inspirational work of AILA thus far,” he said.
“Issues around sustainability, nature deficit disorder, increasing population and climate change have been at the forefront of my work over the past decade, and I look forward to integrating these into the role at AILA.”