Meet the Industry Policy Team

Lead, Strategy and Policy,

Manager, Women in Automotive

Imogen holds the position of Lead, Strategy and Policy at VACC, a role that provides strategic oversight of VACC’s 15 Industry Divisions, including divisional responsibilities for the commercial vehicle and fuel retailing sectors of the automotive aftermarket.

Imogen is also Manager, Women in Automotive, a VACC initiative that works to attract, support and raise the profile of women working across the automotive industry.

Prior to joining VACC, Imogen has held senior policy positions in Canberra and the United Kingdom, contributing to high-level policy advocacy across multiple international fora. She is a strong advocate for increasing women’s participation both domestically and globally.

Imogen has a PhD in International Business from Monash University and King’s College London and a Bachelor of Business Marketing (First Class Honours) and Bachelor of Arts from Monash University.  In 2016 she undertook further study in mediation and conflict resolution in Zug, Switzerland.  

Industry Policy Advisor

John holds the position of Industry Policy Advisor at VACC, providing divisional oversight for the automotive repairers, engine re-conditioner, radiators and tyre retailing sectors. Having previously trained and worked as a specialist automotive technician, John provides technical expertise to the VACC policy team and broader member network.

Prior to joining VACC, John owned a retail small business, providing him with expertise in small business development and a comprehensive understanding of small business regulations.

John represents member interests across a number of industry and government committees:

• Australian Refrigeration Council
• Standards Australia
• Environmental Protection Agency
• VicRoads
• Motor Trades Association Australia - Australian Automotive Repairers Association

John is a trade qualified automotive technician. He holds a Diploma of Business Management (Box Hill) and is undertaking Corporate Governance training with the Australian Institute of Company Directors. 

Industry Policy Advisor

Michael’s current role is Industry Policy Adviser at VACC. This includes divisional management of VACC’s franchise passenger vehicle, motorcycle and farm machinery members, as well as automotive dismantling and recycling. Michael has extensive experience of Licenced Motor Car Trader (LMCT) practices and is considered a subject matter expert on Motor Vehicle Duty, the Personal Property Securities Register, Australian Consumer Law and End-of-Vehicle-Life policy. He represents members’ interests on several industry groups including:

• VACC-carsales.com Dealer Advisory Board
• Victorian Government State Revenue Office State Taxes Consultative Committee
• ACCI’s Chief Economist National Forum
• Victorian Government’s Rural Reference Group
• Australian Auto Parts Recyclers Association (APRAA)

Prior to joining VACC, Michael occupied senior roles within the international car rental sector.

He holds a Master of Business Administration (University of Canberra), Certificate in Business Analytics (Harvard Business School) and Master of Business Law at Southern Cross University.

Industry Policy Advisor

Kathy is an Industry Policy Advisor at VACC, a role she commenced in January 2021. Kathy provides divisional management for the body repair and towing operators divisions. This includes the formulation of policy responses to government and driving regulatory and legislative change on behalf of members.

As a skilled legal practitioner, Kathy has extensive experience in dispute resolution and litigation, and brings with her a detailed knowledge of insurance claim processes, having spent 15 years working in the automotive insurance industry.

Kathy proactively identifies and responds to industry sector issues with respect to consumer, member and legal implications.

Kathy holds a Bachelor of Business from Victoria University and received her Master of Laws – Juris Doctor from Monash University. Kathy is a qualified legal professional.

Team Leader,
Industry Administration Services
 

Despina is Team Leader, Industry Administration Services at VACC.  Her role provides management of VACC’s administrative staff and direct administrative and technical support to the industry policy team.    

Research Officer

Adiba holds the position of Research Officer at VACC, a role she commenced in January 2024. Her responsibilities include identifying and analysing industry trends, as well as assessing the impact of legislative and regulatory changes in the automotive industry. Adiba supports the Policy, Research & Consumer Affairs department by providing insights to inform policy and industry submissions. She also offers advice to VACC members and staff on emerging trends and conditions within the automotive sector.

With extensive research experience focused on consumer behaviour and distribution channels in the automotive industry, both in the US and Australia, Adiba brings a breadth of knowledge in assessing the strategic implications of direct and indirect distribution channels for automotive stakeholders.

Her academic background includes a PhD in Strategic Marketing from the University of the Sunshine Coast. Her PhD involved investigating the franchising relationship in the Australian automotive industry. Adiba also holds an MBA from Indiana State University and a master's degree in sales and distribution from the National School of Business and Management of Settat in Morocco, her home country.