Australian Industry Group Chief Executive, Heather Ridout, will leave the organization after 33 years – nearly eight years as CEO.

Her departure is effective from the end of April next year. Until then she will remain in her current position.

Ms Ridout’s successor will be named in the New Year after a decision by the organisation’s National Executive.

The Australian Industry Group is a leading industry association representing businesses in a broad range of sectors including manufacturing, construction, automotive, ICT, transport, defence, labour hire and other industries.

"I have been fortunate indeed to have been part of Ai Group for such a long period of time but even more so over the past eight years as CEO, Ms Ridout said. “It is an extraordinary organisation full of wonderful people, supported by great representatives of Australian business and industry and underpinned by an immensely loyal membership.  I have no doubt that the organisation has a great future and I have every confidence it will go from success to success.”

Ms Ridout was recently appointed to the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Board.

She will take up the new appointment on February 14.

Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said Ms Ridout has been an outstanding leader and advocate on behalf of Australian business.

“She has been a staunch believer in skilling our workforce to provide high-wage, high-skill futures for Australian industry, and in encouraging the innovation that is so necessary to build Australian productivity and competitiveness, Senator Carr said.

“I know that she will continue to make a major contribution to the national agenda through her many roles in public life. I have every confidence she will be as effective in her future roles as she has been at Ai Group.”