AADA chair David Blackhall has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of his service to the automotive industry, capping a distinguished career spanning more than five decades.
Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) chief executive James Voortman says the industry is “so pleased” to see Blackhall’s lifelong contribution formally acknowledged.
“David has significant experience working for various OEMs and owning dealerships. But what makes him so deserving of this award is the meaningful service he has given to the industry through associations like the AADA and the FCAI,” Voortman says.
“David is much loved by so many in the automotive industry and it is entirely appropriate that he has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia.”
Blackhall’s automotive journey has taken him across three continents with the Ford Motor Company, ownership and operation of a dealership group in Sydney, and over a decade of leadership with Jaguar Land Rover in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
While at JLR, Blackhall also served as vice-president and treasurer of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), receiving life membership in 2015. During that time, he was also a supporter of the Cathy Freeman Foundation.
Following his departure from JLR, he held a non-executive director role with the Stillwell Motor Group. In 2016, he joined the AADA as acting CEO and, at the encouragement of dealers, remained in the role to help shape the direction of the newly formed association.
Alongside Ian Field and Terry Keating, Blackhall was instrumental in establishing AADA on solid ground, particularly during a period of significant regulatory and commercial change.
During his tenure, Blackhall guided the industry through the Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s intervention into finance and insurance practices, oversaw engagement with the ACCC’s market study into automotive retailing, and advocated strongly for the franchising protections dealers benefit from today.
After stepping down from the AADA, Blackhall was appointed to the board of AHG. Following its merger with AP Eagers, he continued as a non-executive director with Eagers Automotive, where he currently chairs the Audit and Risk Committee.
He remains active in the industry as the chair of the AADA Board, where he continues to set the association’s strategic direction and support the dealer network through ongoing change and uncertainty.
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