About Us
Board Members
Mr Ian Blandthorn (Chair)
National Assistant Secretary, Shop Distributive and Employees Association
Ian has been National Assistant Secretary of the Shop Distributive and Employees Association for 17 years and commenced work with them in 1981. Ian has held various positions on boards and committees which spans many years but most currently he is chair of the National WRAPS Industry Advisory Committee. He is Chair of Service Skills Australia.
Mr John Sweetman AM (Deputy Chair)
Principal, John Sweetman & Associates
John has over 30 years experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, working with peak bodies and with industry both in Victoria and nationally. John was the foundation Executive Officer of the Victorian Tourism Industry Council. As Managing Director of J Sweetman & Associates Pty Ltd, he continues to work across the tourism and hospitality industries and with industry sector associations. John is the Chairman of the Tourism Accreditation Board of Victoria, SSV and Deputy Chair of Service Skills Australia. John was recognised for his contribution to the tourism industry in the 1996 Australia Day Honours.
Ms Sandra Campitelli
General Manager, Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Association
Sandra has been General Manager of the Hairdressing & Beauty Industry Association for 10 years and has recently taken on the role of Executive Director for the Hardware Association of Victoria. Sandra holds various positions on boards and committees including SSV, Service Skills Australia and the Curriculum Maintenance Board for WRAPS. Prior to this role Sandra worked in varying capacities within the industry, including owning her own business and working for L'Oreal and Schwarzkopf whilst undertaking a Bachelor of Training and Education.
Mr Todd Blake
General Manager - Tourism and Events Services, VECCI
Todd Blake is the General Manager - Tourism and Events Services at VECCI. In his role, Todd manages and leads a cluster of peak industry bodies in the Victorian tourism and events sector including Victoria Tourism Industry Council, Victoria Events Industry Council, Tourism Alliance Victoria, Hotel, Motel and Accommodation Association (Vic), and the Backpacker Operators Alliance of Victoria.
Previous to his role at VECCI, Todd was the Chief Executive of Restaurant and Catering Victoria and draws more than 10 years experience in the business events and exhibition industry in Australia, Asia and Europe. He has also worked closely with all levels of government and hundreds of foodservice, tourism and events businesses on a diverse range of issues including, education, liquor licensing, migration, workplace relations, food safety, industry development and business sustainability.