ACMA chair and CEO steps down

If you were ever once bothered by countless telemarketing phone calls and were finally relieved to get your number on a list not to be called, then you have Chris Chapman to thank.

Chair and chief executive officer of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for 10 years, Chapman will officially step down from the position today.

He will move into a new role as president of the International Institute of Communications.

During his time at the helm of ACMA, Minister for Communications Senator the Hon Mitch Fifield said the ACMA has shown a strong sense of strategic purpose and a willingness to adapt its regulatory activities to the challenging and changing needs of the sector.

Under Chapman’s leadership, the ACMA took on a number of significant public programs and initiatives, including the implementation of the ‘Do Not Call Register’, as well as the Digital Switchover and Restack programs and the introduction of the updated Telecommunications Consumer Protections Code in 2012.

“Since its formation, the ACMA has been faced with the challenge of adapting to an increasingly sophisticated and rapidly changing communications sector, as well as the technological change challenging established industry and regulatory frameworks,” said Senator Fifield.

“The introduction of new services and business models has seen ACMA, as a regulator, adjust to the evolving communications market. In this time, Mr Chapman has successfully shouldered the challenging task of ensuring effective regulation, while maintaining constructive relationships with regulated industry participants.

“The government would like to thank Mr Chapman for his years of service and congratulate him on his new role.”

The current deputy chair, Richard Bean, will act as the ACMA chair while the government considers a permanent appointment, and James Cameron will be appointed to act as deputy chair.

Image courtesy of ACMA.