The Night Time Industries Association has announced the appointment of Paul McLeay as its new Chief Executive Officer.

McLeay succeeds Mick Gibb, who led NTIA for four years before departing to become Brewers Association of Australia CEO.

McLeay brings more than two decades of experience spanning industry advocacy, state government and commercial leadership to the role. He joins NTIA after serving as CEO of the Australian Distillers Association where he led the national campaign that lifted the federal excise remission cap for craft distillers from $100,000 to $400,000.

During his time at the ADA, he also established the National Distilling Institute, delivering a $1.2 million industry education pathway funded by the Victorian Government, and secured a further $20 million in Victorian Government investment in the distilling sector. 

Before his time in industry leadership, Paul spent eight years in the NSW Parliament, including service as a Minister and Chair of the Public Accounts Committee. He has also spent a decade as a partner in a specialist workplace mediation and investigations practice, working with CEOs, HR leaders and boards across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

McLeay is co-founder of award-winning Sydney craft distillery Blackwattle Distilling Company which led the formation of the Inner West Distillery Trail, uniting ten local distilleries to drive visitation and nightlife participation across the precinct. He co-owns independent record label Lazy Thinking Records, which supports Sydney musicians and live performance.

NTIA Chair Professor Jane Burns said: “Paul brings a rare combination of proven advocacy runs on the board, genuine commercial acumen and an understanding of government.

“He has grown a member-funded peak body and delivered real wins for small businesses at the federal level. Just as importantly, he lives and breathes the night time economy himself, as an operator, a venue owner and a supporter of live music. The Board is confident he will take NTIA into its next chapter.”

McLeay said: “NTIA has earned its place as Australia’s most credible voice for the night time economy, and I’m relishing the chance to build on that record.

“I’m looking forward to working with members, government and the Board to grow the NTIA, deepen advocacy and back the industries that give our cities their life after dark.”