After four years in the top position, Kat Giles has stepped down from chief executive of Sheep Producers Australia.
Dr Giles is set to move back to her home state of South Australia with her young family and take on a role as regional services director with Primary Industries and Regions South Australia.
Dr Giles will finish at SPA next month, with the organisation expected to recruit a temporary independent executive before commencing recruitment for a new chief executive in the new year.
“Kat has made some major achievements for the industry including reforming the peak industry body’s governance and operational structures, China free trade agreement, ovine johnes disease management reform, and the development of the Sheep Industry Strategy Plan 2020,” Sheep Producers Australia president Allan Piggott said.
“Her commitment, dedication and passion for the organisation and industry has been phenomenal and we acknowledge her efforts and thank her.”
Dr Giles said after nearly seven years with the organisation, as policy officer and chief executive, it was a difficult decision to leave.
“Last week was a huge turning point for sheep industry advocacy in Australia and it was an honour to be part of such a transition,” she said.
"Moving back to South Australia has always been on the radar, so I am excited for the future ahead for my family, but I also look forward to maintaining the connections I have in the red meat sector and to continuing to work in regional development and agriculture.”