The Board of Australian Made Campaign has appointed Ben Lazzaro as its new chief executive.
The organisation is responsible for promoting and administering the nation’s iconic green-and-gold Australian Made, Australian Grown logo.
Lazzaro will succeed retiring chief executive, Ian Harrison, who steps down at the end of July.
Lazzaro has an engineering and communications background with more than 15 years’ experience across a variety of management, sales, marketing and communications roles in consultancy, agency and in-house capacities.
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He joined Australian Made in 2011 as a marketing and communications manager and in 2016 he took on the role of deputy chief executive.
Australian Made campaign chairman, Glenn Cooper, said Lazzaro had been a key contributor to the success of the organisation and the Australian Made logo for many years.
“Ben’s combination of skills and experience, paired with his understanding of country of origin matters, have him ideally placed to lead the organisation into its next exciting chapter,” said Cooper.
Lazzaro said it was an honour to be given the opportunity to lead the organisation.
“While enormous progress has been made, there is opportunity for the Australian Made team to further strengthen this Australian icon, here and overseas.”
Lazzaro acknowledged the leadership of the outgoing chief executive in establishing the Australian Made logo as Australia’s global product symbol.
“The logo has become one of the most powerful sales and marketing assets for businesses that make and grow products locally.
“It makes the Australian connection instantly, clearly and with authority, and is synonymous with quality and integrity,” said Lazzaro.
“The challenge ahead is to build on this success, evolve the Australian Made offering and continue to deliver value to Australian manufacturers and growers, as well as consumers the world over.”
Lazzaro will officially take on the role on the 1st of August 2018.