Former Ai Group President and Emeritus Councillor, Geoffrey Ashton AM, sadly passed away on Friday 15 December aged 85, after a short illness.
Geoff was MTIA/Ai Group NSW Branch President from 1996 to 1999 and Ai Group National President from 1999 to 2000. He was active in the establishment of Ai Group following the merger of MTIA and the Australian Chamber of Manufactures in 1998.
Geoff had a distinguished career in engineering and construction including Chairman of the construction, property and mining conglomerate Leighton Holdings and Managing Director of both Engineering group Clyde Industries and the BTR Nylex building products subsidiary, Amatek, (formerly part of Monier).
He was the inaugural Chair of AustralianSuper when it was formed after the merger of STA with ARF in 2006.
Geoff was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2004 Queen's Birthday Honours list. His AM citation reads: “For service to business and industry, particularly through the development of policies to improve the competitiveness of Australian industry and in the area of vocational education and training.”
Geoff was beloved husband of Norma. Devoted Dad to Melissa and Rebecca. Father in law of Darren and granddad to Emelie. Brother to Darral.
He will be sadly missed.
Vale Geoff Ashton
