Ross Keane appointed new RMAC chairman
20 Jul, 2010 12:02 PM
FORMER Swift Australia director Ross Keane has been announced as the new independent chairman of the Red Meat Advisory Council, and will assume the role on August 1.
Current chairman Ian McIvor said he was pleased with the board's choice after the decision was made to end the previous practice of rotating its chairman among existing directors, reflecting the intent of the Meat Industry Strategic Plan 2010-14 (MISP3).
“Those individuals and PIC representatives who contributed to the development of MISP3 felt a strong desire to fortify the industry's collective influence by boosting RMAC's voice on cross-sectoral matters," Mr McIvor said.
“The position will be non-aligned with RMAC's PIC member bodies and so would enable the incumbent to devote total attention to RMAC's activities.
“This involved altering the company's constitution to allow for an independent chairman as an additional (seventh) director.
“The chairman's tenure of two years with an opportunity for three two-year terms would also provide greater continuity in board management."
Mr Keane brings a wealth of experience in the industry, having had direct involvement across the sectors of production (cattle, sheep and goats), lotfeeding (cattle and lambs), processing (beef and small stock) and stock and station agency. His most recent position has been as director and general manager livestock of Swift Australia.
“Mr Keane has demonstrated a passion for the red-meat and livestock industry and, coupled with his wide-ranging industry experience, is well credentialed to serve as RMAC's inaugural independent chairman,” Mr McIvor said.
“Mr Keane is well known to many industry participants and has earned a reputation as a strong negotiator who is willing to listen and, once a decision is made, press hard for a suitable outcome."
SOURCE: QCL