PETER Skillern will step into the chief executive position of the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) following former CEO Jan Davis’ decision not to seek reappointment.
A statement by the TFGA said Mr Skillern, who runs a prime lamb property at Campania, had managed a group of family companies involved in construction, property development and agriculture.
“In a wide-ranging career he has also held executive posts with both Environment Tasmania and the Liberal Party,” the statement said.
“Jan Davis took our profile to a new level,” TFGA president Wayne Johnston said today when announcing Mr Skillern’s appointment.
“Peter Skillern is the person for the times. Agriculture in Tasmania is entering an exciting phase of development, triggered by the irrigation roll-out and the closer economic relations we have with China. The landscape is changing.”
Mr Skillern specialises in finance and corporate governance and has been the TFGA’s policy and advocacy manager for the past two years following a career in banking and senior managerial roles.
“I believe our reputation for advocacy is second to none,” he said.
“When the TFGA speaks, people tend to listen these days. My job is to maintain and build on that credibility.”