Commerce group welcomes new head

LOCAL business advocacy organisation Be.Bendigo has announced a new head honcho, with the appointment of well-regarded banker and community leader Rob Herbert as CEO.

He replaces stand-in CEO Rob Stephenson, who in turn took over when former incumbent Denis Bice moved on from the role last October.

“We are delighted to have Rob join Be.Bendigo,” said the organisation’s chair Marika McMahon.

“His passion for Bendigo and understanding of the challenges and opportunities for businesses of all sizes make him an ideal person to lead Be.Bendigo continuing to grow our support for local business.

“As 2022 has commenced with continued COVID19 challenges, having Rob leading Be.Bendigo will enable our team and organisation to work hard on our vision for Bendigo and particularly our members.

The board chair also took the opportunity to pay tribute to the outgoing acting head of the organisation.

“Be.Bendigo is most grateful for the excellent leadership provided for the organisation by Rob Stephenson as interim CEO,” Ms McMahon said.

“While Rob Stephenson continues his portfolio career we are pleased that he will be assisting Rob Herbert during the first few weeks at Be.Bendigo and then continuing to be involved with the organisation, particularly around advocacy and working with our stakeholders.”

Be.Bendigo is the latest iteration of the Bendigo Business Council, which came about through the merger of the Bendigo Chamber of Commerce and Central Victorian Business Network in 2008.

Local businesses are able to join the group and become members of Be.Bendigo through its website. Available memberships range from individual to micro, small, medium and large businesses.