Australian Industry Council (AMIC) has appointed experienced meat industry executive Patrick Hutchinson as its new Chief Executive Officer.
He replaces Kevin Cottrill, who is retiring after 15 years at the helm.
Mr Hutchinson, who has been AMIC’s General Manager, Processor Group for the past six months, comes to the position with almost 20 years of experience in the meat industry.
His previous career highlights include appointments as the General Manager of Livestock Exchange and ITS Global North America; Manager of Product Integrity and Assurance at Meat Livestock Australia and an Executive Officer at the Australian Meat Council. He is currently a non-executive director of Blue Sky Agribusiness.
AMIC Chairman Lachie Hart said Mr Hutchinson had a proven track record in leading the growth of meat industry businesses and organisations.
“We are excited to have someone of Patrick’s calibre and experience on board,” he said.
“AMIC recently embarked on a significant restructure to meet the changing needs of our members and to ensure we are well positioned for the industry’s future challenges.
“We are committed to building a strong and sustainable organisation that creates positive change for our members and the industry through increased collaboration and communication; new and improved service delivery and providing an influential voice on important government issues.
“We are looking forward to Patrick leading the Council forward into its next phase of growth and development.”
Mr Hutchinson said it was an honour to lead a respected organisation like AMIC.
“My vision for AMIC is to be a singular voice on all post farm gate to feedlot issues, from the manufacture and processing of red meat through to domestic and international sales,” he said.
Some of the issues Mr Hutchinson hopes to tackle include record input costs; incumbent market access and regulatory burden; energy price and availability; access to quality labour and training, including imported labour; and the plateauing of meat consumption domestically.
“It’s a challenging time, but I relish the opportunity to work across these issues with our vast membership and provide an effective outcome for all of our members,” Mr Hutchinson said.
Mr Hutchinson will take up his role effective immediately, while Mr Cottrill will remain with the Council for a period of time to ensure a seamless transition.
Mr Hart said Mr Cottrill was leaving AMIC in a strong position.
“The Board is very grateful for Kevin’s leadership and the outstanding contribution he has made to the Council. We wish him every success for the future.”
AMIC is the peak industry council that represents retailers, processors and smallgoods manufacturers and is the only industry association representing the post-farm-gate Australian meat