The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) is entering a new phase focused on aligning its work more closely with members’ needs and helping Australia’s boating businesses prosper. Under new President Tracy Souris, the refreshed Board is looking ahead with confidence and has appointed Andrew Scott to return as Chief Executive Officer.
After several challenging years, the Board is focused on providing stability and setting clear priorities for the association, which represents the recreational and light commercial boating sectors and has members across Australia.
Tracy Souris BIA Board Chair and President
That work was already taking shape under Souris.
The appointment coincides with the departure of the BIA’s outgoing CEO, Andrew Fielding, who left to pursue other opportunities.
“The Board is united on where we want to take the BIA and how we can better serve the boating industry. We want to help more Australians get out on the water, give our members practical support and advocate for a business environment in which they can thrive. Andrew Scott returns with a clear mandate from the Board to turn those priorities into action,” Souris said.
Scott’s return gives the BIA an experienced leader who knows the association and its members. He first became CEO in October 2022 and moved into the Chief Financial Officer role when Fielding took over as CEO in January 2025. Since joining the BIA in January 2021 as Financial Controller, Scott has helped shape its strategic planning and strengthen corporate governance while overseeing key commercial programs, major events and member support initiatives.
Scott brings more than 35 years of professional and executive experience spanning senior leadership, financial management and corporate advisory roles in the marine and broader business sectors. Before joining the BIA, he managed complex financial operations and led commercial strategy and business development for major leisure marine enterprises.
He serves on the boards of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) and the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO) and is Treasurer of both organisations. Through those roles, he helps connect the Australian marine sector with international work on marine business, sustainability and workforce development.
Andrew Scott – CEO Boating Industry Association Ltd
Scott brings more than 35 years of professional and executive experience spanning senior leadership, financial management and corporate advisory roles in the marine and broader business sectors. Before joining the BIA, he managed complex financial operations and led commercial strategy and business development for major leisure marine enterprises.
He serves on the boards of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) and the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO) and is Treasurer of both organisations. Through those roles, he helps connect the Australian marine sector with international work on marine business, sustainability and workforce development.
“I am honoured to lead the BIA,” Scott said. “Our priority remains delivering outstanding value to our members, driving participation in recreational boating, advocating to governments to enhance boating, and promoting marine jobs across the sector.”
Andrew Fielding
The Board expressed full confidence in Scott, citing his record of delivery, financial management expertise and strategic vision. It also thanked Fielding for his leadership, dedication and significant contribution to the association and wished him every success in his future endeavours.
Souris acknowledged Fielding’s contribution to the BIA and his more than three decades of service to the boating industry. His involvement with the BIA began through his family’s Anchorline brokerage business. Before becoming CEO, he served as Queensland State Chair, national Board Chair and President, and Business Development Manager. During his presidency, the BIA launched the Marine Industry Academy for young people and introduced its Boating Industry Sustainability Award.
His industry service has also extended to the Gold Coast Waterways Authority Board, the Queensland Recreational Boating Council and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s National Safety Committee.
More information at bia.org.au, marinejobs.org.au and discoverboating.com.au.
