News

Key appointments at MLA designed to strengthen integrity systems, R&D impact

Beef Central, 25/08/2016

MEAT & Livestock Australia has appointed respected research and development manager Dr Jane Weatherley as chief executive officer of the red meat industry’s new Integrity and Information Systems Company.

The appointment is part of a series of internal staff changes announced this afternoon.

The new role will see Dr Weatherley lead the evolution of an expanded NLIS Limited into a new company to streamline the management of Australia’s traceability and quality assurance programs for beef, sheep and goat meat.

Jane Weatherley

Jane Weatherley

The changes follow a decision by industry and government – through their SafeMeat partnership – that one company be given responsibility for delivering a fully integrated integrity system. The system includes the National Livestock Identification System, Livestock Production Assurance and National Vendor Declaration programs, which have been managed separately up to now.

“After an extensive executive recruitment process, I’m delighted that Dr Weatherley has accepted the role of CEO of industry’s new Integrity and Information Systems company,” MLA managing director Richard Norton said.

“Dr Weatherley has made excellent progress in her previous role as MLA’s general manager for livestock productivity, which included management of the Meat Standards Australia program, and she will bring the same energy and leadership to this important new role.

Jo Quigley

Jo Quigley

Another MLA staffmember Jo Quigley, who has been acting CEO, will take on the role of chief operating officer in the new company, which will operate as a subsidiary of MLA.

In addition to managing industry’s integrity systems, the new company would also be charged with building a fully-integrated information platform for delivery of MLA’s component of the industry’s Value Chain Digital Strategy, Mr Norton said.

“Ms Quigley will play a key role with Jane in delivering these important industry outcomes.”

Matt McDonnagh

Matt McDonnagh

In other changes within MLA, on-farm innovation and adoption manager Dr Matt McDonagh has resigned to pursue family interests in Armidale. Dr McDonagh will maintain a strong association with MLA, working with the leadership team to ensure a smooth transition from his current role and explore opportunities to support the expansion of MLA’s Donor Company activities in key livestock production areas.

In light of these developments, MLA is making a series of changes to further progress its delivery of R&D services and sharpen the focus on producer consultation and adoption of new research and technology.

The new arrangements include structural changes and process efficiencies within MLA.  They reflect the learnings from the recent independent review of MLA’s performance by ACIL Allen, as well as feedback from within the business.

Sean Starling

Sean Starling

Under the redeployments, Sean Starling will take on a new role of general manager – research, development and innovation. Previously value-chain innovation general manager, Mr Starling will manage all MLA’s R&D programs and innovation throughout the red meat and livestock value chain.

Michael Crowley has accepted the role of General Manager – Producer Consultation and Adoption.

Michael Crowley

Michael Crowley

Previously MSA program manager, Mr Crowley and his team will be responsible for adoption, R&D consultation, genetic operations and MSA, and will work closely with producers to drive adoption of R&D that contributes to their prosperity.

MLA says it is also investing in new efficiencies and administrative processes to continue strengthening its R&D commercialisation and project evaluation – and to enable program managers to concentrate on their core business of delivering new R&D outcomes and their adoption.

“This is integral to building the profitability, sustainability and global competitiveness of the red meat and livestock industry,” Mr Norton said.

The changes are effective from today.

 

Source: MLA

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