EXPERIENCED red meat processing industry identity Tom Maguire was elected today as the new chairman of the Australian Meat Industry Council.

For the past three and a half years Mr Maguire has served as group general manager for Victorian/Tasmanian beef processor HW Greenham & Sons, having worked in senior management positions for Teys Australia for 15 years prior to that. In total he has 28 years experience within the meat industry.

Tom Maguire

He cut his teeth in industry advocacy as chief executive of the former National Meat Association, which merged with the Australian Meat Council to form the merged Australian Meat Industry Council in 2003.

The new AMIC board elected today, representing processors, independent retailers and smallgoods manufacturers, will sit until 2027.

The new board members, combine a mix of experienced industry leaders and new talents. The group includes National Retail Council chair Robert Constable, National Smallgoods Council chair Franz Knoll, and Mr Maguire, who last week was elected  National Processor Council chair.

“It is an honour to be voted chair of AMIC’s board at such an important time for the meat industry,” Mr Maguire said.

“The new board is committed to advancing AMIC’s recently adopted strategic goals which will be beneficial to all members whether they make smallgoods, are independent local butchers or are processors and exporters,” he said.

Outgoing AMIC chairman Gary Hardwick reflected on his tenure over the past four years:

“Leading AMIC on two different occasions, as well as signing the merger agreement forming AMIC 20 years ago, has been a deeply rewarding experience. I am proud of our achievements and confident that the new board will continue to drive the industry forward, addressing both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” Mr Hardwick said.

The full 2023-27 AMIC board includes:

• Tom Maguire – HW Greenham (Chair)
• Robert Constable – Roberts Meats (Deputy Chair)
• Franz Knoll – Barossa Fine Foods (Treasurer)
• Trevor Hill – Bruce’s Meats, SA
• Peter Stocker – Magnificent Meat Co, WA
• Dominick Melrose – Melrose Meats, QLD
• Simon Linke – SAMEX, SA
• Stacey McKenna – Midfield Group, VIC
• Terry Nolan – Nolans Meats, QLD
• Emily Pullen – Jims Jerky, QLD

CEO Patrick Hutchinson will work with the new board to focus on delivering AMIC’s strategic plan’s goals. Key initiatives include advocating for members, enhancing member services, and drive innovation throughout the industry. The board will also prioritise nurturing AMIC’s existing strong relationships across government, industry and the community.

“I am looking forward to working with the new board over the next term as we strive to deliver for and be the voice of our members whilst continuing to show the governments of Australia, our international trading partners’ as well as the wider community the value of the Australian meat industry,” he said.

“AMIC wants to ensure that families in Australia and across the world have the opportunity to be served affordable, high quality and sustainable Aussie meat on their plates,” Mr Hutchinson said.