BIA Victoria -
General News
BIA Victoria appoints new general manager
Thursday, 14 January 2010
The Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIA) has appointed experienced commercial and not-for-profit executive Clyde Batty as its new general manager.
Clyde Batty has extensive management experience in membership-based clubs and the hospitality sector, most recently as general manager operations at Royal Brighton Yacht Club.
After almost 20 years in the hotel-motel industry, he moved successfully into club management, where he had a strong focus on enhancing member benefits and facilities.
At Brighton he opened a new $4.3 million clubhouse, expanded members’ reciprocal rights in Australia and overseas, and introduced new membership categories to capture the non-sailing market. He will take up his new position on 27 January.
BIA President David Heyes said Clyde was an ideal fit for the needs of BIA Victoria as it pursued its strategic objectives for enhanced member benefits and effective advocacy.
“Clyde has an impressive record of taking good organisations and making them even better, improving facilities, services and efficiency across the board,” he said.
“He has a very strong focus on enhancing member benefits as a means to increase membership numbers, which is very much attuned to where BIA Victoria is heading.
“His notable achievements include a threefold membership growth at Bentleigh RSL Club in less than two years, and a significant reduction in overhead costs and debt during his term at Waverley Golf Club.
“Clyde combines the academic strength of an MBA with a lifetime of hands-on experience in all aspects of management, which will equip him well for the task ahead.”
Clyde Batty said he was keen to expand on his involvement with the marine industry and to meet BIA members and gain a first-hand appreciation of their needs.
“I am looking forward to working with the Board and members to expand on existing member benefits while further strengthening public and government awareness of the marine sector,” he said.
“Victoria’s marine industry has demonstrated its underlying strength in the recent challenging times, and I intend to ensure BIA Victoria maintains the profile and influence to build an even stronger future.”
More information: David Heyes 0418 593 382
Media inquiries: Greg Shoemark 0412 316 928 or (03) 9898 5570