THE Herefords Australia Limited (HAL) Board has welcomed three new directors following the appointment of Mr Sam Broinowski, Mr Alex Sparkes and Ms Annie Pumpa at the company’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 28 April.
With more than three decades of experience in stud and commercial operations, New South Wales industry veteran, Mr Broinowski, returns to the HAL Board after previously serving in 2019 and 2020. Mr Sparkes is a sixth-generation grazier and Poll Hereford breeder from Taroom in Queensland and joins the Board for a four-year term after filling a casual vacancy since September 2020. First-time director and youth industry leader, Ms Pumpa, is based in Wodonga, Victoria and brings extensive commercial industry expertise across beef supply chains.
In March 2022, the Board appointed retired Poll Hereford breeder and corporate governance expert. Mr Mark Baker as a HAL director. Mr Baker had filled a casual Board vacancy since September 2020.
In his first AGM address since becoming HAL Chair in May 2021, Ian Durkin congratulated the new directors and said he was pleased to be part of a board that is diverse in gender, age, industry, and life experience.
“Boards need to have a broad mix of skills, knowledge, and experience, and as Chair, my goal is to facilitate an environment that sees us work as a well-rounded team relevant to the purpose, needs and strategies of the company,” Mr Durkin said.
“With more than 30 years’ experience in commerical and stud operations, Sam is driven by ensuring the Hereford breed and genetics have a strong future in a modern cattle industry, while Alex’s background in digital technologies will build on our focus to ensure there is appropriate data and evidence to support breed claims.
“As the current President of the Herefords Australia National Youth Committee and New South Wales winner in Cattle Council Australia’s 2021 Rising Champions Award, Annie brings next generation industry perspective and leadership to the team and is a strong advocate of R&D to demonstrate the regional strengths of Herefords across the country.”
While diversity is fundamental to a Board’s success, one attribute each of the new directors has in common is their dedication to the Hereford breed and its long-term success in Australia’s beef industry. Their commitment and industry experience support the Herefords Australia Five Year Strategic Plan outcomes to be delivered under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer, Lisa Sharp.
Mr Durkin said two long-serving directors, Mr Geoff Birchnell and the Honourable Trish Worth AM would retire in line with the Board constitution and thanked them for their service to the HAL Board and the breed.
“Geoff and Trish were instrumental in establishing the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee, and its ongoing activities, and were also extensively involved in the most recent review of the Constitution and changes to company rules and regulations.
“During her tenure, Trish also served as Chair and Geoff assumed responsibility for member liaison duties.
“On behalf of the Board, staff and our members, I wish them both well in their future endeavours and thank them for their considerable service.
Outgoing director, the Honourable Trish Worth AM said she had enjoyed her time and achievements whilst on the Board and would continue her work promoting the breed.
“Herefords are great cattle – they are docile, have strong fertility, longevity and ability to do well on grass, and the cows have a strong mothering instinct,” Ms Worth said.
“I am looking forward to continuing to breed Herefords and promote them, particularly in my local area.”
Following Ms Pumpa’s appointment to the HAL Board, Ms Alicia Trovatello, from Redesdale Victoria, will take on the Acting President role for the Herefords Australia National Youth Committee. Alicia is currently the Secretary and will continue the recent great work of the youth committee.
About the Herefords Australia Board
In accordance with Sections 42 and 43 of the Herefords Australia Constitution, the company must have at least three and no more than 10 directors, of which eight are to be elected by members, and up to two directors who may be directly appointed by the Board.
Elected directors are a member of the company (or a representative of a member of the company), who are nominated by two other members (or representatives of members) which are entitled to vote.
The 2022 Herefords Australia Board includes:
- Ian Durkin (Chair)
- Marc Greening (Deputy Chair)
- Mark Baker (Company Secretary) (Board appointed in March 2022)
- Sam Becker
- Michael Crowley (Board appointed in March 2021)
- Mark Duthie
- Alex Sparkes
- Sam Broinowski
- Annie Pumpa
