Brad Kininjjew has been appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers.
Antonella Abbate • 11 August 2026
Brad Kininjjew – Acting Chief Executive Officer
Brad has spent his entire working life in the automotive industry. He began his career as an automotive apprentice, completed his trade as a qualified automotive mechanic and progressed through technical, operational, customer experience and executive leadership roles. This career journey has given him a practical understanding of the opportunities and challenges experienced by apprentices, tradespeople, automotive businesses and industry leaders.
Before joining IAME, Brad held senior leadership positions with a global automotive original equipment manufacturer, including serving at Director level. Throughout his career, he has led large teams, managed significant organisational change and delivered measurable improvements in customer experience, operational performance and workplace culture.
Since joining IAME, Brad has worked closely with the Board and employees to strengthen the organisation’s governance, operations, financial management and long-term sustainability. He has also supported improvements across IAME’s education and training activities and its engagement with employers, apprentices, government agencies and industry partners.
A key priority for Brad as Acting Chief Executive Officer will be reinvigorating IAME’s membership and strengthening the Institute’s connection with automotive professionals across Australia. This will include reviewing the value and services provided to members, increasing industry engagement, improving communication and creating greater opportunities for professional recognition, technical support, networking and ongoing development.
Brad believes IAME has an important role in representing the automotive profession and supporting people throughout every stage of their careers, from apprentices entering the industry through to experienced technicians, business owners, managers and industry leaders.
Brad holds a Master of Business Administration, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a qualified automotive mechanic. He brings a combination of practical industry knowledge, executive leadership experience and formal governance capability to the role.
His leadership approach is based on transparency, accountability, collaboration and practical decision-making. As Acting Chief Executive Officer, Brad will focus on strengthening IAME’s membership, industry relevance, organisational sustainability and position as a respected national voice for automotive professionals.
Email address: brad.kininjjew@iame.com.au
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