Vale John Massey

CEDA Chief Executive Officer Melinda Cilento said his loss will be felt widely, particularly in his home state of Queensland, where he was a passionate advocate for the organisation over many decades. 

“John was an Honorary Life Trustee of CEDA, and his love for this organisation was hugely influential in the Queensland business community,” she said. 

Mr Massey actively recruited organisations in the state to become CEDA members. 

He was a major and jovial presence over the years at CEDA Boardroom Briefings and policy discussions, as well as at CEDA events, where he could often be found at the head table helping to form new linkages and connections with organisations and sharing his wisdom. 

Mr Massey brought extensive commercial and leadership expertise to all his work with CEDA. 

Most recently, that experience included roles such as Chairman of Transurban Queensland (formerly Queensland Motorways), UQ Holdings and the Stockyard Beef Group. 

His previous appointments included such diverse companies as Brisbane Airport, Cardno, Dairy Australia, Grainco, MicroMedical, QDL Pharmaceuticals, Sunstate Cement and Thomas Cook.  

John was also a former Director, National Treasurer and Queensland President of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).  

In 2006, he was made a Life Fellow of AICD for eminence in the field of directorship and was subsequently awarded the 2010 Gold Medal, which recognises the Outstanding Company Director in Queensland for achievements in corporate life and to the community.  

Along with his wife Sally, John was involved in a range of community activities, including as the primary carers for many newly born pre-adoptive babies with special needs.  

“Our thoughts go out to his family and his loved ones,” Ms Cilento said.