AIIA loses Birks

The peak representative group for Australia's technology vendors has started looking for a new chief executive, following a decision by its incumbent Ian Birks to leave his position to start his own consulting company.

The Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) represents hundreds of technology companies operating in the local market, including global giants like IBM and Microsoft but also smaller, Australia-based groups. It is active in a wide range of areas, particularly relating to government policy on technology.

"Over the last three years I have very much enjoyed working for AIIA and have had the opportunity to engage closely with some highly impressive local ICT industry business leaders," Birks said in a statement, noting that he plans to step down later this year. The executive has previously worked as a board director with the AIIA and as an industry volunteer.

Birks said he would be "sad" on a number of levels to leave the CEO role, but that he is looking forward to building up his own consulting company, "which will focus on the three way convergence of the ICT industry, not-for-profits and market research and analysis".

"I remain a passionate advocate for the local ICT sector and its role in the Australian economy, and I will continue to seize every opportunity to progress it," Birks said.

The AIIA will now look to identify a successor chief executive.

"Ian Birks has provided very strong leadership through a particularly important period for both the Association and the industry," said Philip Cronin, AIIA chair and Intel Australia chief. "The enthusiasm, knowledge and passion that he has injected into AIIA as CEO is greatly appreciated by the Board."