Cattle Council of Australia’s long-serving Policy Director John McGoverne has been appointed to the Chief Executive Officer role, after the departure of Travis Tobin.

Mr Tobin recently announced his intention to step down from the role for personal reasons.

Cattle Council President Markus Rathsmann congratulated Mr McGoverne on his new role.

“John is the right person for the job and will ensure Cattle Council’s important advocacy and policy work continues without interruption,” Mr Rathsmann said.

“John is widely respected through his work in the development of agricultural policy and has an intricate understanding of Cattle Council and the grassfed beef industry.

“He will be in the role of Interim CEO from 1 February, until the new organisation comes into force which is expected on 1 July.

“John is dedicated to the beef industry and has been key in delivering better policy for producers.

“He has the full support of the board and staff, ensuring stability at this critical time.

“I congratulate John on his new role, and I look forward to working with him on important industry issues.”

Mr Rathsmann said the change in CEO would not impact on the transition to a new industry body.

“As CEO Travis Tobin laid the foundations for a new industry body before his decision to step down.

“An independent steering committee with dedicated resourcing and an industry-supported platform is now overseeing the transition.

“The steering committee will soon start consultations with grassfed beef producers in all states and territories.

“Cattle Council will continue to support the restructure process, after convening industry forums in September and October last year which brought together all those organisations with an active interest in national representation.”

Source: Cattle Council of Australia