ODMA Announces New CEO

The Optical Distributors and Manufacturers Association (ODMA) Board is pleased to announce that Amanda Trotman will head up the Association going forward. Amanda has been appointed as the new CEO on completion of the Board’s process to confirm a suitable replacement post the resignation of 27-year serving CEO, Finola Carey, to take up semi-retirement.

Amanda, of course, has occupied the role of Acting CEO for over twelve months now while Finola has been on long service leave, a role she has thrived in post her year as General Manager and Project Manager of O=MEGA21. “I have immensely enjoyed the Acting CEO role and work well with the Board. I have really loved getting out and meeting many industry members face to face in 2022 and feel I fit in and have a lot to offer the optical industry despite me only being a part of it for a couple of years now”, commented Amanda. She went on to say, “I feel my varied industry experience and the range of size and type of organisations I have worked for brings a fresh approach, plus my vast events and marketing experience will be well utilized given ODMA’s focus on live events.”

The board first undertook a discussion session to discuss the importance of getting the right person for the role and outlined all the key attributes and how crucial a cultural fit was given the importance and profile of this role. A performance review was also completed with Amanda by the HR Sub-Committee of the ODMA board. The full board unanimously voted that Amanda had demonstrated the required qualities to meet the challenges of the role.

Rob Sparkes, ODMA Board Chair, stated, "The ODMA board are delighted to welcome Amanda as our CEO. Amanda has demonstrated a remarkable ability to work with the board, our industry and partners over the last 18 months. Congratulations, Amanda on this well-deserved appointment!”

Amanda stated that her achievements in the role to date included outcomes such as delivering a successful OSHOW22 event soon after the covid lockdowns were lifted in order to provide the industry with a much-needed face-to-face catch-up, opening up conversations for collaborative opportunities with multiple industry players and the implementation of detailed reporting across multiple business areas.

Ms Trotman has worked for major corporations in project management and marketing roles and with not-for-profits in business development roles. She has also previously launched and managed her own enterprises, one in event management and one in small business coaching. Ms Trotman earned a Bachelor of Business and a Post Graduate qualification in Tourism and Event Management. She was ranked 15th on the Business Review Weekly self-made female entrepreneur list when she ran her own event management business and was a Telstra Small Business Award NSW finalist. She also served on the Meetings Industry Association of Australia NSW Board. Crucially, in recent years Ms Trotman served as executive director for the jeweller’s trade association, where she worked for three years.

 Amanda has found many parallels from her past career experience in other industries as far as the challenges and opportunities for members and the wider industry and looks forward to applying her skills to especially strengthen educational and networking opportunities for all team members of independent practice, an important customer segment for ODMA members, as well as delivering the event platforms, lobbying assistance and industry alerts and updates to support the industry’s distributors and manufacturers.

Amanda stated, “I am excited to continue taking the role forward and in building more great relationships and continuing the strong presence and stability that ODMA has accomplished for many years. I am excited to progress my continued learning and assist in finding solutions to challenges that arise for ODMA members. I look forward to helping take ODMA into the future by being a collaborative, organised and committed CEO for the ODMA board and ODMA members.”

Notes:

ODMA

ODMA is the peak body of wholesalers, manufacturers and importers of optical products in Australia. Its mission is to strengthen, support and grow the optical industry. Its’ members constitute the majority of the wholesale optical industry in Australia including prescription spectacle lenses, optical frames, contact lenses, sunglasses, and ophthalmic technology and equipment.

Enquiries – Amanda Trotman amanda@odma.com.au 0427 353 564