The appointments follow the retirement of Chairman, Michael Taylor AO and Director, Professor Robert Clark.

Outgoing Gardiner Dairy Foundation Chairman, Michael Taylor AO, thanked Professor Clark for his invaluable contribution and said that the appointees’ extraordinary successes in their fields and their in-depth knowledge of the dairy and agriculture sectors make them eminently qualified to lead the Foundation into the future.

“We congratulate Bruce, Judith and Andrew on their new roles and we look forward to their wealth of experience and knowledge in strategic planning, research and development further strengthening the Gardiner Dairy Foundation’s role in advancing a vibrant dairy industry,” Mr Taylor said.

Gardiner Dairy Foundation Chief Executive, Mary Harney, gave a special thanks to Michael Taylor AO.

“In particular, we would like to recognise the long-term commitment and input from Michael Taylor AO. His legacy includes the Foundation’s sound strategic direction that invests a meaningful sum into a smaller number of targeted projects to maximise positive impact for the industry,” Ms Harney said.

Professor Kefford joined the Board in 2014 following his role as Deputy Secretary for the Victorian Department of Primary Industries from 2009 until 2013. In this role he was responsible for establishing the National RD&E framework for Australia and at State level, agriculture policy setting and research, and development and extension services to boost the natural resource management of Victoria’s agriculture and food sector.

“Professor Kefford will bring to the Gardiner Dairy Foundation a deep understanding of agriculture RD&E and passion for the innovation and science to improve the dairy industry’s competitiveness and sustainability,” Ms Harney said.

In addition, Professor Kefford has experience as Chair and Director of a number of boards in the  airy, agriculture and biosciences fields. Currently, he is Director of the Dairy Futures Cooperative Research Centre, Plant Health Australia and is also Chair of Biosciences Research Centre Joint Venture and is on the Industry Advisory Committee for the Australian Synchrotron.

Experienced non-executive Director and Senior Executive Manager, Judith Slocombe and Corporate Advisor, Lawyer and Company Director, Andrew Maughan, also bring demonstrated success to their new roles.

Ms Slocombe is currently Chief Executive Officer of the not-for-profit community organisation, the Alannah and Madeline Foundation and Chair of the Consumer Advisory Panel at Walter + Eliza Hall Institute. She also holds director positions with the Victorian Government’s Agriculture Victoria Services, Children’s Rights International, Leadership Victoria, Young and Well Co-operative Research Centre and Hume Global Learning Village.

Mr Maughan has extensive agricultural industry experience including as Chairman with AgLink, Independent Chairman of The Pastoral Pork Company and consultant to the Board of the McGregor Gourlay Agricultural Services. Mr Maughan is also Chairman of the food manufacturer and wholesaler, Langdon Group and is Director of the Medical Research Foundation for Women & Babies and advisor to Schultz Capital.

The Gardiner Dairy Foundation acknowledges the ongoing contribution of the Board’s Directors, Barry Irvin, Michael Carrol and Roma Britnell.