Herefords Australia announced three new directors to the Board at the 2022 AGM, Mr Sam Broinowski, Mr Alex Sparkes and Ms Annie Pumpa
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 Chairman 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 Awards, 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 supports the Herefords Australia Five Year Strategic Plan outcomes to be delivered under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer, Lisa Sharp.
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 excellent work of the youth committee.
