Master Builders lock in new CEO

THE president of the Master Builders Victoria board, or MBV, has announced the appointment of Michaela Lihou as the organisation’s new chief executive officer.

MBV president Geoff Purcell made the announcement last week and said that after an extensive executive search, the board had selected Ms Lihou to continue to lead the organisation, which she has been doing as the interim CEO since December 2022.

“Over this time Michaela has demonstrated the ability to develop and lead the organisation through its next phase with a focus on members first and empowering people to build a better future,” Mr Purcell said.

“The board is delighted to announce that Michaela will now take over this very important role in a permanent capacity.”

Ms Lihou is an experienced executive, with an extensive background in the building and construction industry, and a strong skillset in strategy development, stakeholder engagement, industrial relations, communications, and people and culture.

Since commencing at MBV in 2020, she has also lent her experience to policy and advocacy, member services, operations, projects, and finance, developing key relationships while driving MBV’s strategic imperatives to the benefit of its members and the industry.

Michaela is a member of the Building Industry Consultative Council and Mr Purcell said she had been an integral advocate for MBV and the industry, as it has navigated unprecedented sector challenges.

Ms Lihou said she was thrilled to be moving forward with her new, permanent leadership role.

“I’m honoured to take on the role of leading this important organisation and am as committed as ever to delivering great results for our members and advocating strongly for our industry as a whole, as we continue to face significant challenges,” she said.

“I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the MBV board and all our stakeholders to lead a future-ready industry that builds a better world and plays such a significant role in the Victorian economy.”