Adam Joy will end his nearly decade-long term as chief executive of the Australian Lottery and Newsagents Association (ALNA) at the end of September, when he hands over the reins to his colleague Ben Kearney.

Kearney, a fellow ALNA 10-year veteran who has held senior roles including most recently national manager of policy and government relations, will start as CEO on October 1. The succession plan was implemented in late June to ensure a smooth transition and provide members with continued support and representation.

ALNA is the peak industry body representing Australia’s newsagents and lottery agents, following the rebranding of the Australian Newsagents Federation in 2016. There are 4000 individually owned and operated newsagencies in the country, according to the organisation.

Joy noted the organisation’s most recent achievements include the banning of lotto betting in Australia, advocating for the introduction of state and federal small business commissioners and ombudsmen, and pushing reforms to improve merchant charges and fairness in competition laws.

“I know that Ben will build on these achievements and lead ALNA in enabling Australia’s largest independent retail and home delivery group to continue to grow and succeed,” he said.

Kearney said he was looking forward to taking on the role at a time of exciting change for the industry.