News

MLA in hunt for new MD, as Hansen resigns

Beef Central, 28/01/2014


Scott HansenMeat & Livestock Australia just minutes ago announced that Scott Hansen will depart the producer-owned service delivery company to take up the role of Director General NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Mr Hansen departs MLA on February 28, after 10 years with the company.

MLA chair Dr Michele Allan said the board was disappointed to see Mr Hansen depart, but was supportive of his decision to take up this new career opportunity.

“The Board and I expressed our thanks to Scott for his commitment to the industry and the company. We congratulate him on his new role as he embarks on the next phase in his career," Ms Allan said in a statement issued a few minutes ago.

"We are pleased that he will maintain a connection with the meat and livestock industry and look forward to working with him in his new role.”

Mr Hansen said the decision to move on from the company was extremely difficult.

“I have been extremely privileged to work for a company of committed and dedicated staff, passionate about creating opportunities for Australian livestock producers,” he said.

“It has been a great honour working with the MLA board and the staff to deliver and advance MLA’s programs, including Meat Standards Australia, our investment in genetics including Breedplan and Lambplan, and our global marketing activities to create new customers for Australian beef and lamb.”

“I am excited about the opportunity to continue to work in the service of primary producers in my new role, and about working with the staff of the NSW DPI to help improve the profitability and sustainability of NSW primary industries,” Mr Hansen said.

Dr Allan paid tribute to Mr Hansen’s dedication and commitment to MLA and to the industry, particularly in his last 30 months as managing director.

“Since being appointed managing director in July 2011, Scott has accomplished a number of significant achievements. His vision and drive to deliver value for levy investments have led to the company re-focussing on the core business of marketing and R&D," Dr Alan said.

"This includes the streamlining of global marketing programs and an increased commitment to emerging markets to capitalise on opportunities, and significant advancements in the MSA program.”

Dr Allan said interim arrangements will be put in place after March 1.

“As we begin the recruitment process, the board is conscious that the management team is focused on delivering their programs of work to benefit levy players and as such, Christine Gilbertson, one of the Directors, will become acting managing director in the interim. The board has asked Christine to step into this role as we look for a permanent replacement for Scott Hansen, because of her strong background in the industry and experience as a senior manager,” Dr Allan said.

The recruitment process will begin this week.

 

Key role at NSW DPI

Meanwhile, the NSW Farmers Association this afternoon welcomed the NSW Primary Industries Minister’s appointment of Scott Hansen to the position of Director General of the Department of Primary Industries.

NSW Farmers CEO Matt Brand welcomed Mr Hansen’s appointment to one of the state’s most important agricultural positions.

He said that Mr Hansen came to the position with an impressive record and knowledge of agriculture and he looked forward to working with him to progress agriculture in NSW.

“There is a lot to do in the short term in the agriculture space including progressing the state’s drought and biosecurity policies,” Mr Brand said.

“Longer term prosperity within the NSW agriculture industry also requires leadership from the top of DPI to ensure that the key outcomes of DPI research continue to be based on the needs of growers as well as the extension necessary for it to be translated into beneficial farming practices implemented on the ground.

“Key to this will be ensuring the DPI works hand in glove with the local LLS agencies,” he said.

Mr Brand thanked Michael Bullen, the acting Director General, and other members of the DPI leadership team who had led the department since the retirement of Richard Sheldrake AM in September 2013.

  • More details as they come to hand.



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