Beef Australia announced the appointment of a new chairman and board of directors, following the company’s 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) last month in Rockhampton.
Beef Australia’s members elected Cameron Hewitt and Wendy Mayne as new directors, and re-elected current directors Claire Mactaggart and Russell Hughes.
Following member elections, the Board of Directors appointed Adelaide McDonald as chair of Beef Australia.
Ms McDonald said she was honoured to have been selected by directors to lead the team for Beef2027.
“I look forward to working with the Board and the wider Beef Australia team to deliver a groundbreaking event in 2027 and build on the success that we saw at Beef2024,” Ms McDonald said.
Ms McDonald brings a wealth of experience in agriculture and finance and is well-positioned to lead the Beef Australia Board into its next phase of growth.
She is currently a director of multiple entities including MDH Pty Ltd, one of Australia’s largest family-owned pastoral operations encompassing 3.36 million hectares and 150,000 head of cattle.
In addition, Ms McDonald has been appointed a Director of the Zanda McDonald Award and is a respected financial services professional with a background in corporate finance, accounting, mergers and acquisitions, and strategy.
Filling the other executive positions are Elisha Parker and Jess Webb as vice-chairs, Kay Becker as treasurer, and Claire Mactaggart as secretary.
Beef Australia chief executive officer Simon Irwin said the new board of directors bring a wealth of skills and experience which will be invaluable as planning starts for Beef2027.
“We look forward to working with the board to build on the successes we saw at Beef2024 and advancing our strategic initiatives,” Mr Irwin said.
Two of Beef Australia’s long-serving directors retired from their roles at the AGM, with past chair Bryce Camm and past treasurer Richard Brosnan stepping down from their roles.
Ms McDonald said both retiring directors have been instrumental in guiding the company through significant growth and innovation.
“On behalf of Beef Australia’s new board of directors and the wider team I would like to thank Bryce and Richard for their unwavering commitment and dedication to delivering successful Beef Australia events over the years,” Ms McDonald said.
