Dear Members,
On behalf of the Herefords Australia Board, I am writing to inform you that our CEO Mr Michael Crowley has been appointed the Managing Director of Meat & Livestock Australia and as such has tendered his resignation
Herefords Australia CEO, Michael Crowley.
from Herefords Australia. This is a great opportunity for Michael and we wish him all the best in taking on this important industry position. It is truly great that a product of our breed’s community has been given arguably the most high-profile position in the Australian beef industry.
It is a significant loss to Herefords Australia, however I want to ensure you that due to long term planning and due diligence, the operations of Herefords Australia will continue uninterrupted whilst we undertake an extensive search for a long-term CEO to lead Herefords Australia into the next phase.
Over the last 3 years, as part of our business development strategy and succession strategy, Michael has been a director of Herefords Australia as well as the CEO for the last 12 months. Following on from the great work of Ms Lisa Sharp, the business has been transformed into a professional workplace with a number of improvements in place that supports the long-term future for the business and ultimately the breed.
The board of Herefords Australia developed a very clear strategy and remain committed to its implementation. The directors have overseen the business and systems improvements that are in place today. These include the consolidation of bank accounts and cash flow leading to ensuring investments are returning maximum returns whilst managing downside risks, transferring the land from APHS to HAL, implementation of information systems that protects all data and information assets, succession planning for business-critical roles along with forming strong alliances that will deliver increased returns along the entire beef production chain.
Michael has put in place systems and a structure that will enable the Herefords Australia team to continue to deliver great service to you our members while we work through a thorough process to find a high calibre CEO to lead our organisation.
The staff will continue to deliver core registry services to members, communications, marketing and R&D uninterrupted. This also ensures momentum behind the strategy is maintained along with ensuring the key breed events and activities will be appropriately resourced and delivered.
Michael will be with Herefords Australia until the 17th of May which will see him complete the major events of Beef Australia in Rockhampton and the Herefords Australia National Show & Sale along with the breed forum being held in Wodonga. He will also ensure the mid-strategy review is completed.
The board recognise the disruption that the change in CEO creates and this was not an easy decision for Michael. It is however a once in a lifetime opportunity and the timing is rarely convenient but we as a Board support Michael in his career progression fully. We have a stable workforce and a committed team backed by a very strong and united Board and leadership team. This is supported with staff PDs, workplans as well as charters in place for all committees.
With Lisa and now Michael leading the organisation over the last 3 years, we are in solid shape to attract a long-term CEO to our great breed and take the business to the next level.
We will commence our executive search immediately.
Sincerely,
Ian Durkin
