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RMAC appoints Don Mackay as its new chairman

Beef Central, 08/07/2016

RESPECTED red meat industry identity Don Mackay has been appointed as the new independent chair of the Red Meat Advisory Council.

Don Mackay

Don Mackay

He succeeds Ross Keane, who has served in the role for the past six years.

Head of the RMAC selection committee, Jeff Murray, congratulated Mr Mackay on his appointment against a field of exceptional candidates. Beef Central understands about 50 applications were received, including strong contenders from both within, and beyond the red meat and livestock industry.

“We’re confident Mr Mackay will advance the interests of all Australian red meat and livestock businesses,” Mr Murray said.

“His enormous expertise in red meat and livestock will be key to leadership of RMAC and the Australian red meat and livestock sector. This, paired with his ability to negotiate with the top levels of government and the business community to create win-win partnerships, make him a natural fit for this independent role.”

Mr Murray said a core part of the chair’s role was to drive sector strategy and growth.

“Mr Mackay’s appointment reflects RMAC’s commitment to delivering on the Meat Industry Strategic Plan 2020 and unlocking $7 billion of potential growth in the Australian red meat and livestock industry,” he said.

Mr Mackay has held a range of senior leadership positions across Australian agribusiness. He is about to step down as managing director of Rangers Valley feedlot and branded beef supply chain based out of Glen Innes in northern NSW. While in that role for the past seven years, he served a term as president of the Australian Lot Feeders Association.

Earlier in his career Mr Mackay was managing director of the Australian Agricultural Co, and served in senior management positions with Elders. His contribution to industry affairs was recognised with the Centenary Medal awarded by the Prime Minister for distinguished service to primary industry.

As reported earlier on Beef Central, another agribusiness leader has joined the RMAC Board.

Bindaree Beef’s chief executive James Campbell will replace David Larkin, who retired last month after five years as a non-executive director.

“With our new leadership team in place we look forward to delivering outcomes for the Australian red meat and livestock sector in partnership with industry and government,” Mr Murray said.

Mr Mackay will assume the chair from Ross Keane on 1 October.

 

The Red Meat Advisory Council is the peak body representing the interests of the red meat industry. Membership includes the Australian Meat Industry Council, Cattle Council of Australia, Sheepmeat and Goat meat Councils of Australia, the Australian Lot Feeders Association and the Australian Livestock Exporters Council.

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