Simon Irwin, former News Corp manager, appointed as CEO of Beef Australia

A new CEO has been appointed at Beef Australia out of 180 applicants after Ian Mill’s departure in August.

A new boss will lead Beef Australia through the planning for the 2024 event and he’s quite well known to this publication.

Former News Corp general manager Simon Irwin has been appointed as the new CEO of Beef Australia.

He fills the gap of Ian Mill, who left in August to take on the role of CEO at Rockhampton Jockey Club.

A specialist recruiter oversaw more than 180 applications from people across Australia vying for the role.

“We were delighted with the extremely high calibre of applicants for this role and the commitment to work through a comprehensive recruitment process,” Beef Australia chairman Bryce Camm.

“We are confident we have secured the best candidate for the role and are excited by what Simon brings to the organisation through his vast experience in the commercial sector.”

Mr Irwin was with APN before it became News Corp for a total 34 years, with his last role as regional manager, leading Queensland newsrooms from print to a digital focus.

In a former life, he was a stock and station agent and auctioneer in the 1980s.

“As a proud Rockhampton resident for almost 20 years I can think of no better vocation than to promote Beef Australia to a local, national, and global audience,” Mr Irwin said.

“My focus will be to ensure that, through growth and innovation, this event continues to lead the world and help to secure beef producers a bright and sustainable future.”

The first Beef Expo was held in 1988 and the success saw it grow to a triennial event.

This year’s event, despite Covid difficulties, recorded a record 115,000 visitors through the gates, a 15 per cent increase from 2018, and delivered more than $94 million to the Rockhampton and Livingstone economies.

The next Beef event will be held in 2024, from May 5 to May 11.