Two of Australia’s most successful and experienced agribusiness leaders have joined the board of directors of the Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation (Sheep CRC).
Mike van Blommestein, former vice president for Australia and New Zealand for veterinary company Zoetis, and Ian Wilton, former president and chief executive of GrainCorp Malt and chief financial officer of Ridley Corp, were last week endorsed for board positions at the Sheep CRC’s annual general meeting.
Sheep CRC board chairman Duncan Fraser welcomed the pair’s appointment, saying their vast experience in corporate Australia and livestock industry organisations would be invaluable.
“I’m really delighted that Michael and Ian have accepted the positions – having access to their extensive experience and the calibre of their business acumen can only benefit our organisation as we focus on delivering innovative and practical new technologies that boost the productivity of the Australian sheep industry,” Mr Fraser said.
From his background with Zoetis, and prior to that with Pfizer Animal Health, Bayer and SmithKline, Mr van Blommestein brings a knowledge of livestock pharmaceuticals and vaccine biologicals, animal genetics and diagnostics, strategic marketing, and industry stewardship, as well as valuable international research connections.
Mr Wilton brings experience both as a director and chief financial officer from a long career at firms including Elders, Graincorp, Ridley, and ConAgra. His expertise encompasses corporate acquisitions and financial management, having developed and implemented business strategies and successfully managed joint ventures.
As part of the Sheep CRC’s board renewal process, the pair replaces long-serving directors Kate Joseph, a Victorian lamb producer and former president of the Sheepmeat Council of Australia, and Phillip Rose, a chartered accountant with more than 35 years’ experience in a large rural practice.
“Kate and Phil have provided outstanding service and exceptional advice in their time on the board, for which the industry will be indebted to them for a long time to come,” Mr Fraser said.
The Sheep CRC is administered by an independently selected skills-based board, with a nominations committee responsible for identifying suitable board candidates.
“The Sheep CRC's governance framework has been set up to ensure transparent accountability to all stakeholders, and this is reflected in the fact that we have such high-calibre representatives on our board,” Mr Fraser said.
