End of an era but start of another as Wilsons continue advocating for Australian industry

A businessman who has served on Ai Group advisory boards for more than 40 years is stepping down — and passing the baton to his son. 

Robert Wilson said it was “with a degree of sadness” that he was resigning from his roles on Ai Group’s National Executive and Victoria Advisory Council, but he was delighted his son, Ed, had joined the council of advisers in Victoria. 

“I would like to express my appreciation to Ai Group for allowing me the privilege of serving the organisation,” Mr Wilson said. 

“It has repaid me in spades, and I hope Ed has a similar experience.” 

Mr Wilson, Chairman of the Board of Wilson Transformer Company (WTC), said his time on the Advisory Councils had been a mutual learning experience. 

“The Advisory Councils have been advising Ai Group since it was the Metal Trades Industry Association of Australia (MTIA),” he said. 

“What I learned by being present at those meetings was quite substantial. Having access to the experts in Ai Group through being a council member was good, and learning through interaction with other councillors has been great. 

“We gave back our experiences, as well. It was a mutual learning experience for all parties involved and a great assistance to me in my career.” 

After completing his engineering degree at Monash University, Mr Wilson started working full-time with WTC, a family business, shortly before the death of his father Jack Wilson in early 1972. 

In 1979, he was appointed Managing Director of WTC and soon after, joined the Board of the Australian Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers Association (AEEMA), serving as Treasurer, Vice President and President from 1989 to 1991.  

AEEMA later merged into Ai Group. 

Mr Wilson, pictured with sons Ed (WTC Managing Director) and James (WTC General Manager Services), joined the Victoria Council of Ai Group in 1980 (MTIA at the time), serving as Vice President from 1997 to 2002. 

In 1987, he joined the National Executive of Ai Group (MTIA at the time). 

“In my 42 years’ involvement with Ai Group, I have experienced some wonderful leaders such as Ron Fry, Bert Evans, Bob Herbert, Heather Ridout, as well as (current Chief Executive) Innes Willox and (Head of Victoria) Tim Piper,” Mr Wilson said. 

“The outstanding Ai Group executives, their wonderful staff and the industry leaders who have served on the various State Councils and National Executive have been a source of inspiration and support for me and our business. 

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with many exceptional people.” 

Mr Wilson recalls the rampant inflation of the 1970s as a particularly challenging time. 

“The ups and downs of the economy during my working life – the floating of the dollar, the severe reduction in tariffs between 1988 and 1996 and the spate of Free Trade Agreements in recent times have been extremely challenging for Australian-based manufacturers,” he said. 

“Ai Group, including the members of the Advisory Councils, were involved in discussions on those matters and many more over the years. 

“There was also a massive restructuring in manufacturing through that period. The contraction and disappearance of sectors of manufacturing in Australia — the auto industry, in particular — has led to a reduction in skills and training. 

“Even in our electric sector, overseas-owned manufacturers of large transformers, high-voltage cables and other products have closed their Australian manufacturing operations. In stark contrast, Australian-owned businesses like WTC that are committed to Australia have developed and expanded both at home and overseas.” 

It seems Ed has big shoes to fill — and a need to review his AFL allegiance. 

As WTC’s Managing Director for the past seven years, Ed has been invited to join Ai Group’s Victoria Advisory Council. 

“It’s an honour to be able to follow Dad in his footsteps and I hope I can achieve half of what he’s been able to achieve in his life,” Ed said. 

Mr Wilson replied: “I think you’ll do even more, and I have no doubt you will be a good contributor to The Australian Industry Group. 

“However, to be a leader in Ai Group, you need to be a Collingwood supporter.  

“Innes and Tim are Magpies supporters, I’m a Magpies supporter but Ed is a Demons supporter. He probably won’t go far in Ai Group,” Mr Wilson joked. 

Ed has already had a taste of what’s in store. 

“I’ve been dealing with Tim and Innes for a while now, so it was a natural progression. Jeff Connelly (Victoria Advisory Council President and National Executive Vice-President) is someone I know well. 

“I’ve gone to quite a few meetings on Dad’s behalf when he couldn’t go, and I’ve attended the Industry Meets Canberra meetings on his behalf a few times. 

“I think Ai Group is pretty special in terms of being that voice of industry and bringing industry together.” 

Mr Wilson adds: “It is the leading employer group in the country, and it’s got a very active and well-regarded Chief Executive in Innes. 

“The structure is sound, as well. It has its state bodies and specialist group areas working in various sectors.  

“It does a marvelous job of supporting employment and Australian industry.” 

Mr Wilson, who said he was extremely proud to have both sons in key leadership roles in the business, will be officially farewelled by Ai Group in November. 

Ai Group Chief Executive Innes Willox thanked him for his commitment and contribution. 

“Robert has been at the forefront of the debates on some of the bigger issues while I’ve been leading Ai Group,” Mr Willox said. 

“His perspectives on issues like climate change and energy, corporate tax and incentives and the need to recognise that critical local infrastructure needs to preserved have been invaluable. 

“Robert has never been afraid to speak his mind and has been a true advocate for growing Australia’s industrial capability.  

“We will miss him but welcome Ed. Not sure how Robert let him become a Melbourne supporter, though.” 

Mr Wilson will remain Chairman of the Board at WTC, an Ai Group member since the 1930s.