On behalf of the entire the South Australian Business Chamber board and staff, I would like to say thank you to Nikki Govan, following the conclusion of her 9.5‑year term on the board of South Australia’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
It has been an absolute pleasure working with Nikki. The business community of South Australia is stronger as a result of her leadership and owes her a great deal of gratitude.
Nikki joined the Chamber’s volunteer board in 2013. She was elected to the position of Deputy Chair in 2015 before becoming Chair in 2018 where she would play a pivotal role in the stewardship of the Chamber as it navigated its way through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Little did Nikki realise when she was elected as Chair, she would soon be steering the South Australian Business Chamber through the most turbulent time in recent business history.
During the pandemic, our board met weekly to respond to challenging conditions and restrictions.
Her position on various other committees and boards allowed her to play a cross-organisational, collaborative role in the rebuilding of South Australia’s economy.
Using Nikki’s role on the National Tourism Taskforce, she advocated through the South Australian Business Chamber to secure funding for COVID-affected businesses, particularly hospitality and tourism.
Nikki and the board also played a pivotal role in the relaxation of restrictions and reopening of state borders as soon as it became safe to do so.
Nikki’s career in senior government and private sector roles, as well as owning a small business has greatly contributed to her various responsibilities during her tenure.
Over the course of nine years, Nikki served as Chair of the South Australian Business Chamber’s marketing and communications committee, was a member of its audit, risk and finance committee and governance, nominations, and remuneration committee.
Nikki notes that it’s been a busy time, but she has been honoured to serve South Australia’s business community.
Nikki isn’t expected to slow down anytime soon and is pleased to announce her appointment to the position of Chair, Green Industries SA on the invitation of Deputy Premier Susan Close MP.
It’s not greener pastures, but it is a new and exciting challenge.
Nikki will remain as an independent director on the board of ACCI, the South Australian Business Chamber’s national counterpart, following a one-year extension of her appointment in October 2022.
We will announce Nikki’s successor at our sell-out International Women’s Day event, next Wednesday afternoon.
