Michael Crowley will take over the reins in March.
Herefords Australia Board has announced the appointment of Michael Crowley as new chief executive officer.
The appointment follows the completion of Lisa Sharp’s contract as CEO of Herefords Australia, and will continue her association with the breed as a member of the Herefords Australia Board.
Mr Crowley has over 20 years industry experience, including executive and international marketing roles with Meat and Livestock Australia, previous ownership of a cattle and beef marketing business and property management covering stud and commercial operations.
Herefords Australia chairman Ian Durkin said it was Mr Crowley’s combination of general management experience, technical knowledge and infinity and connection with the Hereford breed and stud operations that most impressed the Board.
“Michael Crowley has a wealth of red meat industry experience. This includes comprehensive technical knowledge in areas such as genetics and eating quality, coupled with firsthand experience gained in stud and commercial operations,” Mr Durkin said.
Michael and the Crowley family are well known amongst the Hereford community, and we are thrilled the opportunity has arisen for Michael to come in and lead the company and the breed.”
Most recently Mr Crowley held the position of General Manager, Research and Development with MLA where he was responsible for a diverse number of programs, including Livestock Genetics, Meat Standards Australia (MSA), Animal Health and Welfare, Beef Productivity, Supply Chain Innovation, Sustainability and Producer Adoption. Mr Crowley has also served as a board appointed director on the Herefords Australia board since 2021.
Herefords Australia also announced the decision to appoint Lisa Sharp to theHerefords Australia Board.
Mr Crowley’s appointment as CEO creates a vacancy in the Herefords Australia board, which under its constitution can appoint up to two directors who meet a comprehensive skill and industry-based experience selection criteria.
“Lisa has made a significant contribution to the breed over the last two years, leading long term strategy development, business planning, excellence in corporate governance and breed marketing and promotion. Changes implemented under Lisa’s leadership have and will make a long-term difference to the company’s success” Mr Durkin said.
“Specifically, I like to acknowledge Lisa’s work in streamlining systems and processes that allowed for the introduction of a single monthly invoice, the development of the Herefords Australia five-year plan, growth in revenue from services and breed marketing presence and effectiveness – which saw breed share of media increase significantly in the last year.
“Lisa has also advocated on behalf of members, be that to government during COVID for continuation of on property sales or when negotiating with suppliers to get the best value for members, such as no increases in DNA pricing this year.
“With her knowledge of the company and the needs of members, and her experience as a non-executive director, Lisa will compliment and strengthen the Herefords Australia Board and we are pleased the association will continue.
“Succession planning has been a focus in recent years, and it is immensely satisfying that this has seen Herefords Australia attract and retain individuals the calibre of Michael Crowley and Lisa Sharp, who are widely recognised in the industry for their respective talents.
“I congratulate both on their appointments and look forward to realising our plans to drive the growth and prosperity of the Hereford breed.”
Mr Crowley starts his position as CEO of Herefords Australia on March 1, 2023 and will be based in Armidale NSW. Ms Sharp will remain the CEO until that time and will commence her role as a director of Herefords Australia in March 2023.