BEEF Australia has appointed Rockhampton businessman Ian Mill as the organisation’s new chief executive officer, as the national beef expo starts preparations and planning for the next event in May 2021.

Beef Australia chairman Bryce Camm said Mr Mill had a diverse wealth of business experience and skill-sets, having worked for over three decades in leading roles across the public, commercial and not-for-profit sectors.

Beef 2021’s new chief executive, Ian Mill

Most recently, he was the CEO of Mercy Health and Aged Care Central Queensland Limited, a business with a workforce of around 1500 people across four private hospitals, three residential aged care facilities, retirement villages, and food and linen services.

Mr Camm said the board had undertaken a thorough and far-reaching recruitment program, which attracted more than 50 applications from across Australia and internationally.

“We were delighted with the high calibre of applicants, with many of these people elevated to our shortlist,” Mr Camm said. “We’re confident that we have secured the best candidate and are excited by what Ian brings to the organisation through his vast experience.”

While he owns and manages his own small beef cattle herd, Mr Mill admits that he does not have an extensive history in the beef industry – but he is passionate about the sector, possessing a real appreciation of the importance it plays in the Australian economy.

“I haven’t missed a Beef Australia expo since my arrival in Rockhampton 20 years ago,” he said. “Over that period, I’ve watched and admired the way the event has evolved from having an industry focus, to now also catering for the broader community. No other event offers such a diverse range of attractions and world class activities not just for the rural sector, but also for locals.”

I’m excited about the opportunity to join such a devoted team of people including the staff, board, and hundreds of volunteers and contractors responsible for delivering the next Beef Expo in 2021.”

The first Beef Expo was held in 1988 as part of the Bicentennial project, and due to the success of the inaugural event, it is now conducted triennially. Beef 2018 attracted more than 100,000 visitors including 1200 international guests from 43 different countries.

This year’s event delivered $80 million to the Central Queensland economy, affirming its position as the preeminent event of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

New CEO Ian Mill along with the board and staff are confident that in 2021 they will deliver another fantastic Beef Exposition packed with information, entertainment, great value and first-class attractions for locals and visitors alike.

Source: Beef 2021