Mark Stone
Chief Executive
Prior to joining VECCI in June 2011, Mark was the Chief Executive of Tourism Victoria. This followed a 12 year stint as Chief Executive at Parks Victoria, which manages one fifth of Victoria’s land area.
Mark also holds positions on the Boards of Tourism Victoria, the Victorian Major Events Company, the Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau and ‘Healthy Parks, Healthy People’.
Mark has specialised in public sector management as well as collaborative private sector and business engagement, with a strong record in and passion for tourism and nature-based activities.
Mark is also an Australia Day ambassador and Fellow of the Williamson Leadership program.
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Steven Wojtkiw
Executive Manager – Policy
Steven is responsible for leading and managing the development of VECCI policy, advocacy and research on all matters relating to business affairs, economic and industry policy, regulation and taxation reform.
Steven joined VECCI in 1994 and has an extensive background representing business interests, having worked previously in senior managerial and policy roles with the Australian Industry Group (formerly ACM) and Australian National Line (ANL). He also has extensive experience dealing with business policy arenas at the highest level, which has included acting as a credible and effective spokesperson in the media and major Government and industry forums.
He has a proven and successful track record in securing real changes on behalf of business in economic, taxation, energy and industry policy reform at the State and Federal levels; has well developed, credible links with Ministers, senior advisers and Government agencies; and is acutely aware of the key issues-drivers and policy challenges confronting Australian business.
Steven holds a Bachelor of Economics degree from Monash University; is a member of the Economic Society of Australia and Australian Tax Research Foundation; a Director on the Board of the Industry Capability Network (Vic); and, in 2000/01, was the only business representative to sit on the State Business Tax Review Committee Chaired by John Harvey.
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Chris James
Executive Manager – Communications and Public Affairs
Chris James specialises in media, government and corporate relations and deals with issues as diverse as transport policy, employment issues and corporate social responsibility.
Before joining VECCI, Chris worked as an economist with the Victorian Farmers Federation, following periods in local government and State and Federal politics, where he worked as a political adviser.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Economics (Honours) from Monash University and a Certificate in Local Government Management from Deakin University.
His interests are broad and varied, ranging from current affairs to horse racing. He is also a keen supporter of Richmond in the AFL.
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Alexandra Marriott
Manager – Workplace Relations Policy
Alexandra Marriott joined VECCI as Manager – Workplace Relations Policy. Alexandra’s principal responsibilities are to develop and shape the workplace relations policies pursued by VECCI, and to advocate for and represent the interests and concerns of VECCI members. Alexandra is currently closely engaged with the effect of the implementation of the Fair Work Act 2009 upon business.
Alexandra has a distinguished background in industrial relations and, prior to commencing at VECCI, previously worked in government and for employer associations.
Alexandra holds a Bachelor of Arts (honours) from the University of Melbourne, and is currently undertaking a Masters of Employment and Workplace Law at Monash University.
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Andrew Rimington
Senior Manager – Employment, Education and Training
Andrew Rimington has worked in Senior Management roles for both Commonwealth and State governments, in settings ranging from employment to education and training. These roles have included rehabilitation counselling, traineeships area management, labour market program management, policy development and regional management.
Andrew’s role at VECCI commenced in 2003 and covers all aspects of research and development, and promotion of industry views on these policy issues. The role has created significant input into Government Education & Training advisory committee arrangements, and has also contributed to the advisory arrangements of the Victorian Skills Commission. Andrew participates in a wide range of committees which cover the careers, VET, training and related areas.
In addition to his duties at VECCI, he is a board member of various State-funded Industry Training Advisory Boards which include: Business Skills Victoria, Manufacturing & Engineering Skills Advisory Board, and the Community Services and Health Industry Training Board. Representation on the Innovation & Business Skills Australia sector advisory committee brings input to the national Industry Skills Council network.
Andrew was also appointed by the Minister for Skills & Workforce Participation, to the Ministerial Employment Advisory Panel for the period 2006-2007, and has also been a member of various University Course Advisory Committees and Boards. Appointments in 2008 which are ongoing include the Ministerial Advisory Council on Maths and Science and membership of the State Reference Group for the National Curriculum Board review.
