Sue Tomic

Australian Supply Chain & Logistics Association (ASCLA) - Australia

Sue Tomic has stood down from the position of board chair with the Australian Supply Chain & Logistics Association (ASCLA) after five years in the role.

Stephen Lakey has been named as her replacement.

Tomic joined the board of ASCLA (then the Supply Chain & Logistics Association of Australia) in 2019, helping to navigate the industry body through Covid.

“She didn't just navigate uncertainty - she turned it into momentum for growth and strategic advancement,” ASCLA states.

During her tenure, the body increased corporate partnerships by 94%, increased revenue by 143% and launched the organisation into the New Zealand market.

Lakey brings more than 17 years of experience in the supply chain to his new role and he has served on the ASCLA board since 2021.

“His deep industry knowledge, proven leadership experience, and strategic vision position him to guide ASCLA’s continued growth across Australia and New Zealand,” ASCLA adds.

Van Cuong Lo

Heli Materials Handling Oceania - Australia

Van Cuong Lo has been named as the strategic business development manager with Heli Materials Handling Oceania, based in Australia, the company he started his materials handling journey with 15 years ago.

Lo previously worked with Coates as a business manager and before that was with industrial battery and energy storage company Valen Power as its ANZ sales manager. His other experience includes stints with Hubtex Australia and more than 11 years with Crown.

“It’s incredible how life comes around 360,” Lo says in a LinkedIn post.

“I started my professional sales career selling forklifts, learning how to connect with people, understand their challenges, and find real solutions.

“This isn’t just a return, it’s a chance to take everything I’ve learned and help build something bigger.”

In his new role, Lo will oversee the growth of China’s largest forklift manufacturer in Australia.

Kieran White

Hire Industry Association of New Zealand (HIANZ) - New Zealand

Kieran White has been named the new chief executive officer for the Hire Industry Association of New Zealand and the Elevating Work Platform Association of New Zealand (EWPA NZ).

White is originally from New Plymouth, and brings more than 25 years’ experience in the hire and equipment industry, including nine years with a global forklift manufacturer.

White has also worked with Cockburn Hire, two decades with Coates Hire across Australia, Indonesia and the UK and, most recently, as executive managing director Asia Pacific with Crown Forklifts NZ since 2017.

He replaces Rodney Grant who held the role for the last five years and, HIANZ says, who made a valuable contribution during his tenure.

“[White] is passionate about supporting our members, promoting the hire industry, and working closely with the boards to continue strengthening the associations,” HIANZ states.

“[He] will commence a transition over the next three weeks and officially take up the CEO role on 12 January 2026.”