AHA CEO

Stephen Ferguson 

Stephen Ferguson is the National CEO of the Australian Hotels Association (AHA), the national voice of Australia’s vibrant hotel industry. 

The AHA represents more than 5,000 hotels from country pubs to five-star accommodation resorts, which provide 270,000 jobs, generate over $12 Billion economic benefit, and support over 50,000 community groups. 

National areas of responsibility include workplace relations, tourism, energy, taxation, wagering, music licensing and competition policy. 

Recent initiatives of the AHA include a world first aggregated renewable energy power purchase agreement saving of 123,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per year.

During the pandemic, Stephen worked with the United Workers Union to achieve a ground breaking act of consensus relating to full time hours, use of annual leave, and duties and location of work.

Stephen also led change to the Hospitality Award through the introduction of “flexible” part time, that has decreased casualisation in the hospitality workforce, and negotiated amendments to the 2024 “Closing Loopholes” Bill removing penalties for employers and addressing concerns for casuals working regular patterns of work.

Prior to his role with the AHA, Stephen was CEO of the Brisbane Racing Club, the owner of Doomben Racecourse, Eagle Farm Racecourse and Gallopers Sports Club.

Stephen holds a Masters of Business Administration, Bachelor of Social Science and is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Stanford University Graduate School of Business.