Farm Tender

After nine years as MD at Dairy Australia Halliday calls it a day

Dairy Australia has launched an international recruitment process after managing director Ian Halliday today announced he would not seek to renew his contract when it expires at the end of the year.

After nearly nine years in the role, Mr Halliday said it was time to bring in some fresh thinking to assist the Dairy Australia Board in the development and implementation of a new strategic plan.

“It has been an absolute privilege to work with the Dairy Australia team and people from right across the dairy and government sectors and I am proud of the way we’ve been able to all work together through some incredibly challenging times,” Mr Halliday said.

Mr Halliday said he would be working with the Dairy Australia Board to ensure a smooth transition to a new managing director.

“With Jeff Odgers elected as the new Chair in late 2017 and my contract coming to an end in 2018, it’s time to bring in a fresh perspective,” he said.

Mr Odgers praised Mr Halliday’s contribution to the dairy industry during his time at the organisation.

“Ian’s leadership has brought Dairy Australia closer to farmers and that has put the organisation in a stronger place,” Mr Odgers said.

He said the Dairy Australia Board was now focussed on finding a new managing director and had engaged recruitment agency Spencer Stuart to manage the process.

“There is an incredible depth of capability among the Dairy Australia staff and the board has every confidence in them as we transition to a new leadership phase for the organisation,” Mr Odgers said.

Mr Halliday joined Dairy Australia in January 2010, after a string of senior executive roles across the food processing sector.