Parking Australia, the national body representing the interests of the parking industry in Australia, yesterday announced the election of six directors, (three of which are new to the Board) at the Annual General Meeting of the Company.

The Board of Directors as voted by Parking Australia members are:
• James English, Director – Ace Parking Group
• Martin Ryan, Head of Parking and Transport – Brisbane Airport
• Sharon Prior, Team Leader Off Street Parking Services – Adelaide City Council
• Mosstyn Howell, Founder and CEO – UbiPark
• Graham Arndt, Director of Operations and Maintenance – Curtin University of Technology
• Paul Sidwell, Regional Managing Director AU/NZ – ADVAM
• Neal Smylie, Chief Operating Officer – Secure Parking
• Wayne Bryant, Manager Parking Services – Queensland University of Technology

At the Board meeting following on from the AGM, Sharon Prior was unanimously voted as President and Neal Smylie was returned as Vice President. Martin Ryan takes up the role of Chair of Finance and Governance.

James takes his Board position, following the Parking Australia Awards 2017 where James was named the winner in the category of Individual Excellence in Parking.  This was an incredible acknowledgement to James for his contribution to the industry.  This prestigious Award celebrates the achievements of an individual in both facilities and innovation throughout the parking sector.  The Award also aims to highlight the industry’s commitment to raising the standards of the current parking industry.

James won the Award for Individual Excellence in Parking when he demonstrated that he is a leader in the industry and a strategic thinker.  He makes a difference and assists in implementing Ace Parking’s vision.  His positive approach to business clearly enhances the parking industry and its people.  Finally, as a Managing Director of a company, James understands that strategic planning, implementation and review processes are key to any successful business.

With over 23 years’ experience in the parking industry, James has developed a deep understanding of the key issues and drivers relating to excellent service delivery.  He has successfully applied his operational and methodical approach to many projects he has undertaken in both public and private sectors of the industry.

James lives and breathes the parking industry. It is not unusual to see him assisting with the installation of a parking equipment or changing the rates on a sign on a rainy night.  Some people may find this strange for a Managing Director, but not when parking is in your blood and you care so much about the business.

James is also an active member of Parking Australia, Victoria Police Car Park Operator Forum, Committee member of Melbourne Airport’s Landside Operations and, Committee Member of the Australian Operators Scheme.

We congratulate James English at Ace Parking for his new appointment to the Board of Directors of Parking Australia.