The Australian Lot Feeders Association has appointed a new chief executive officer to replace Dougal Gordon, who departs the grainfed industry peak council later this week.

Polly Bennett will take up her duties as the new CEO in January.

ALFA president Tess Herbert said Polly had excellent leadership, advocacy, strategy and communications skills along with a mix of commercial and Government experience.

Mrs Herbert said ALFA had been encouraged by the large number of high calibre candidates that had applied for the role.

Ms Bennett has most recently been employed as director for agribusiness development at the NSW Department of Primary Industries. She has also served as CEO of the NSW Food Authority, as well a number of other senior management roles with Caltex, Sydney Ports Corporation Urban Services, Savage Resources and a former state parliament Minister’s office.

“Given such experience, in combination with her rural background, I am sure she will make an excellent contribution to ALFA and the broader feedlot sector,” Mrs Herbert said.

In announcing Ms Bennett’s appointment, Mrs Herbert also extended her appreciation to outgoing CEO Dougal Gordon who, coincidentally, is taking up a role within the NSW Department of Primary Industries, where Ms Bennett is set to depart.

“Dougal has been an extremely sound, proactive and well respected administrator who has delivered significant benefits to ALFA and the feedlot industry during his tenure,” she said.

“He has transitioned ALFA into a more professional and sustainable organisation while improving the standards, transparency and credibility of the grainfed sector.”

Ms Bennett will commence at ALFA early next year.

Source: ALFA