Shay Chalmers elected first female HVIA president

GLT Trailers chief executive Shay Chalmers has been elected president of Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA), becoming the first woman to lead the national industry association.

Chalmers was elected at HVIA’s annual general meeting in Melbourne on 29 October 2026. She succeeds The Drake Group managing director John Drake, who is retiring after nine years on the board and seven-and-a-half years as president.

Chalmers joined GLT Trailers as CEO in 2023 and has more than 20 years’ experience across manufacturing and engineering. HVIA says its membership includes truck manufacturers, trailer builders, component suppliers, dealers and service businesses.

Miles Crawford remains vice-president. Andrew Hadjikakou, managing director of Alltruck Bodies, also joined the board, while Rod Cunningham, Daniel Whitehead and Crawford were re-elected.

Chalmers said she wants HVIA to stay connected to members and focus on workforce capability, safety, innovation, productivity and regulatory reform.