Melbourne, Australia, February 21, 2013 - The Spatial Industries Business Association (SIBA) today named Victorian Executive Officer Kellee Ireland as its new General Manager, and said the appointment would ensure SIBA is well positioned for sustainable growth.

Ms. Ireland, currently Executive officer for the Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute (SSSI), is based in Melbourne and will take on the newly-created role as of March 11, 2013.

SIBA Chairman Gary Nairn welcomed the appointment, saying Ms. Ireland’s current spatial industry experience and contacts made her the ideal choice for the role.

“Ms. Ireland is a results-driven, strategic leader, and we are confident she will ensure SIBA continues to enjoy sustainable growth,” he said. “She has a diverse professional background and we look forward to her wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm. I am confident she will serve us extremely well.”

The appointment of Kellee Ireland coincides with the retirement of David Hocking, SIBA’s Chief Executive Officer for the past 12 years. Mr Nairn paid tribute to David adding he has made a valuable contribution to SIBA that has enabled the industry to develop its significantly high standing particularly with the Federal Government.

SIBA supports its members with regard to key issues such as Australia's national and regional water policy, climate change, national security, privacy, emergency management, transport and space industry policy, major infrastructure development, the National Spatial Data Infrastructure, the National Digital Elevation Framework and to developing industry skills. It will continue to contribute to these and other key issues in the years ahead.