Len Stephens joined the Gardiner Dairy Foundation Board in October 2019 as the Chairman Elect. Following retirement of the incumbent Chairman at the AGM in October 2020, Len was appointed as the Chairman.
Len is a veterinarian, with specialist expertise in research management. He also has extensive experience in governance and operations of industry owned rural R&D corporations.
In his early years Len worked with the Victorian Department of Agriculture, servicing the dairy industry in Gippsland, where he also has family connections to dairy farming. He moved from Gippsland to become the inaugural director of the Victorian Institute of Animal Science.
Len is currently Chairman of Australian Seafood Industries Pty Ltd, Chairman of Oysters Australia Ltd and a Director of Animal Health Australia Ltd. His previous positions include Managing Director of the Seafood CRC Company Ltd, Director Agrifutures Australia, Director Dairy Australia Ltd, Chief Executive Officer – Australian Wool Innovation Ltd, and General Manager – Meat & Livestock Australia. He also runs a small consultancy business.
Special Responsibility
Member: Finance, Audit, Investment and Risk Committee