Media Release
New Chairman elected and appointment of additional AWI Board members
25 April 2008
Ian McLachlan has resigned as Chairman of Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and will remain on the Board as a Director. Mr McLachlan had previously indicated that he would not be standing for election at the next AWI AGM.
The Board has elected Mr Brian van Rooyen, previously Deputy Chairman, as the new Chairman of AWI.
The Board acknowledged and thanked Mr McLachlan for his service as Chairman of AWI and recognised in particular the contribution Mr McLachlan has made to AWI and the wool industry in leading the whole industry through very difficult and challenging times.
Mr McLachlan’s contribution to the industry is over many years from his early days in Wool Council Australia, NFF President and Chairman of the Future Directions Taskforce. Two very important contributions have been his strength and leadership integrating The Woolmark Company with AWI and building a research and marketing company, and secondly in dealing with animal rights organisations and limiting their impact on our industry and fibre.
The Board of AWI yesterday passed a resolution to increase the size of the AWI Board from seven to 10 directors to bring a better balance of global business, finance, marketing and product innovation experience to the Board.
The AWI Board also passed a resolution to appoint the following directors to fill the new Board positions:
- Ken Boundy
- Robyn Clubb
- John Keniry AM
See attachment below for their biographies.
New AWI Chairman Brian van Rooyen said the new directors brought extensive experience in public company governance, in global business strategy, marketing, finance and the commercialisation of innovation to the Board of AWI.
“Following the integration of The Woolmark Company into AWI, we are running a much bigger and more complex company,” Mr van Rooyen said.
“The time is right to bring new skills and new people onto the Board. A bigger, more diverse Board will give AWI the stability and continuity it needs to be effective into the future.
“Each of the three new directors have had very successful careers in different business sectors, but all have an understanding of the paddock to consumer supply chain that AWI works with to add value for Australian woolgrowers.
“These board appointments are part of AWI’s transition from being an Australian R&D organisation into an international fibre research and marketing company,” Mr van Rooyen said.
The AWI constitution allows for a Board of up to 10 directors. Directors may be appointed to the Board at anytime. In line with the constitution, the new directors would be required to seek shareholder endorsement at the next company annual general meeting.
All media enquiries for the three appointees should be directed through AWI Corporate Affairs.
Attachment
Ken Boundy has 30 years senior business management experience across the agribusiness, tourism and technology sectors. Among his many directorships, he is a non-executive director of logistics company Dexion Ltd, Horticulture Australia Ltd and the International College of Tourism and Hospitality Management. He is a former managing director of Tourism Australia and has held senior management roles in Mildara Blass, Goodman Fielder and James Hardie.
Robyn Clubb has 24 years experience as a senior executive and company director in the finance and funds management sector. She is currently a director of Elders Rural Bank and the Deputy Chair of the Rice Marketing Board of NSW and holds a number of other public and private sector directorships. She is a former managing director of AMP Banking and held a number of senior management roles within the AMP Group, Citibank, Prudential Assurance Company Australia Ltd and Hambros Australia Ltd.
Dr John Keniry is one of Australian agribusiness’s most experienced and respected company directors and brings global business experience to the Board. Among his many public company and public sector agency board roles he is Chair of Ridley Corporation, Chair of the Wool and Meat CRC, Chair First Wine Fund, Chair Sugar Australia and a director of Gardner Smith Pty Ltd, the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation and a member of the Prime Minister's Science & Engineering Council.
Released by:
Stephen Feighan, AWI Corporate Affairs – 0418 218 913