By CASEY NEILL
DANDENONG Market has a new face on its board.
City of Greater Dandenong councillors last Tuesday night voted to appoint Tim Cockayne as a non‐executive director of the Dandenong Market Pty Ltd (DMPL) for three years.
Market chairwoman Julie Busch said Mr Cockayne’s strong experience in retail would be a great asset to the five-director board at an important time of growth.
He has worked in the retail sector since 1990 in merchandise, marketing, operations and finance.
He is currently the Total Tools CEO and has held the CEO and general manager roles at national retail chains including Prouds and Goldmark Jewellers.
A council report said Mr Cockayne had a strong local background having attended education within the municipality and being involved with a local soccer club.
“He is a highly energetic leader with a strong track record in growing retail businesses,” it said.
“During his period with Total Tools their combined turnover has increased by over 80 per cent.
“He is extremely energetic and committed to further improving the growth and development of the Dandenong Market.”
Mr Cockayne replaced Jerome Gauder, who retired from the board in October last year due to a move interstate.
He joins lawyer Tom Mollenkopf who was appointed as a non‐executive director in August last year.
The lawyer and independent advisor focusing on governance, policy and strategy was the Australian Water Association CEO until 2013.
He was previously the deputy executive director of the International Water Association in the United Kingdom and the general manager of South East Water in Melbourne.
Ms Busch said he had already made strong contributions towards the market’s strategic direction.
“The addition of Tom and Tim strengthens the board’s skill set and means we are well-positioned to take the market forward into a bright future,” she said.
Dandenong Market was founded in 1866, is one of Melbourne’s oldest and most established markets and welcomes 4 million visitors every year.
