"CEDA is delighted that Paul has agreed to accept the leadership of CEDA. His experience at the highest level in business and government will serve the organisation well as it continues to lead debate on major economic and public policy issues in Australia," Mr Allen said.

"He has been a strong supporter of CEDA for many years, including as a member of its Board of Governors and contributor to its research and thought leadership activities.

"As I hand over the baton I am pleased that CEDA has been re-invigorated in recent years and, led by a strong secretariat and governance network across Australia, is contributing so significantly to Australian public life."

CEDA Chief Executive Professor the Hon. Stephen Martin said Mr McClintock brings a wealth of experience both from the public and private sector.

"It is fantastic to have such a high calibre appointment to this role," Professor Martin said.

"Paul's skills and experience complement those of the existing members of the CEDA Board and will ensure that CEDA continues to have significant depth and breadth of experience and skills at its most senior level.

"Experience at the highest level in both the public and private sector is a rarity and I look forward to working with Paul to ensure CEDA remains at the forefront of public policy debate and discussion on economic and social issues impacting on Australia."

Professor Martin also thanked outgoing National Chairman Geoff Allen.

"I would like to thank Geoff for his commitment during his six year tenure as National Chairman to ensuring CEDA is a strong and robust organisation," Professor Martin said.

"During Geoff's tenure CEDA has undergone significant change and it is now in its strongest position to date."

In accepting the appointment Mr McClintock said it was an honour to lead an organisation with a history such as CEDA.

"CEDA has been consistently helping to inform the business community by delivering leading thinking and critical analysis on the big economic issues facing Australia since 1960," he said.

"It is a unique organisation because it provides an independent platform to debate and discuss issues of national importance without being restricted by vested interests or political affiliations.

"As a speaker and a CEDA Governor I have always found the discussions and debate that occur at CEDA to be of the highest level."

Mr McClintock has held significant chairman and advisory positions across a broad range of industries including his role as the Secretary to Cabinet and Head of the Cabinet Policy Unit reporting directly to the Prime Minister and acting as the Prime Minister's most senior personal adviser on strategic directions in policy formulation.

He is also currently Chairman of Myer, Thales Australia, NSW Ports, I-MED Australia and O'Connell Street Associates and is a Director of St Vincent's Health Australia and The George Institute for Global Health.

Former positions held by Mr McClintock include Chairman of Medibank Private, the COAG Reform Council, the Expert Panel of the Low Emissions Technology Demonstration Fund, Intoll Management, Symbion Health, Affinity Health, Ashton Mining, Plutonic Resources and the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research.