SOUTH East dairyfarmer James Mann was one of three candidates elected to the board of Dairy Australia during the company’s annual general meeting in Melbourne today.
He joins new directors David Lord and Roseanne Healy in filling the director vacancies; roles which require unique skills and expertise.
DA chair Jeff Odgers said it was with great pleasure to welcome Mr Lord and Ms Healy as directors to the board and he congratulated Mr Mann on his re-appointment.
“As the industry faces new challenges it is important that we have experienced hands to help navigate a changing operating environment,” he said.
“I feel confident the board has the right mix of expertise to support our future direction.
“Innovation and adoption are also top of mind as we begin work on the next strategic plan.”
After fulfilling an initial term on the board of DA, Mr Mann has been re-elected as a director to fill the milk producer position on a three-year term.
He brings more than 30 years’ experience in the dairy industry, having been instrumental in developing one of Australia’s leading dairy businesses, Donovan’s dairy, Wye, and was also the DairySA board chair for 10 years.
Mr Lord has been elected to fill the three-year term director role with a dairy processing background, for his extensive experience in fast-moving consumer goods and industrial food products.
He has previously served as chief executive officer and managing director of Parmalat Australia, Warrnambool Cheese & Butter and most recently, Saputo Dairy Australia.
“Having spent most of my life in and around the dairy industry, agribusiness and food production, it’s a privilege to be elected to serve industry as a member of the DA board,” he said.
“From my experience in both the domestic and export markets, I will bring to DA a unique perspective on dairy manufacturing and processing, marketing and innovation.”
Ms Healy has been elected to the board for a two-year term, filling the agribusiness, innovation and adoption vacancy.
Her experience in the agriculture sector spans across her current board roles at includingGRDC deputy chair, Chair of Dairysafe and Chair of VineHealth Australia.
“I believe Australian dairy has a great story to tell and welcome the opportunity to contribute to its future success,” she said.
“As Australia’s third largest rural industry, dairy as sector, plays an influential part in shaping Australia’s identity, reputation, investment attraction and prosperity.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the DA board and look to share my deep understanding of Australia’s R&D system, and how technology, data and the digital economy can accelerate innovation to deliver solutions.”
DA invited applications for the vacancies earlier this year.
An industry selection committee conducted the formal process leading to the nomination of the three candidates by the DA board.