The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) has appointed Sally Curtain as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1, 2024. She replaces Paul Guerra, who is stepping down to become CEO of the Melbourne Football Club following the 14th World Chambers Congress.
Curtain assumes the role with a substantial record in public sector leadership and organizational modernization. Most recently, she served as CEO of Bendigo Kangan Institute (BKI), where she led transformative projects and expanded the institute’s reach and impact. Under her leadership, BKI earned accolades as both the 2022 Victorian and Australian Large Training Provider of the Year.
Among Curtain’s notable accomplishments at BKI were two major infrastructure investments: the $60 million Bendigo City Campus Revitalisation Project and the $60 million Health and Community Centre of Excellence in Broadmeadows. These initiatives not only upgraded educational facilities but also strengthened the institution’s ability to meet workforce demands across Victoria’s health and training sectors.
Curtain’s public service career includes leadership positions at VicRoads, the Department of Justice, and the City of Casey. She played a central role in restructuring justice services to improve regional access, contributed to the establishment of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC), and oversaw the modernization of registration and licensing systems at VicRoads.
In recognition of her service, Curtain was named a Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration Australia (Victoria) in 2022, an honor reserved for professionals who demonstrate outstanding contributions to public administration in the state.
Upon accepting the position, Curtain outlined her key areas of focus, including supporting artificial intelligence adoption among small and medium-sized enterprises, empowering young entrepreneurs and start-ups, and expanding opportunities for businesses across Victoria’s rapidly growing corridors.
“My ambition is to position the Victorian Chamber for the future,” Curtain said in a statement. “Supporting business to adopt AI, empowering and equipping young and new business owners to succeed, and responding to the needs of business in growth areas will be among my areas of initial focus.”
VCCI President Adrian Kloeden welcomed Curtain’s appointment, describing her as a purpose-led leader with deep government and industry networks. “Sally brings transformational insight, strategic vision, and the leadership attributes needed to guide the Chamber through a critical phase of innovation and economic growth,” Kloeden said.
As the new CEO, Curtain is expected to advance VCCI’s strategic agenda, including its ongoing advocacy for small businesses, innovation-friendly policy reform, and workforce development initiatives. Her appointment comes at a time when chambers of commerce globally are adapting to rapid technological change, inflationary pressures, and evolving labor market dynamics.
With her background in both public administration and education, Curtain is seen as well-positioned to build cross-sector collaboration and advocate effectively for Victoria’s diverse business community.
