Meat and Livestock Australia announces Michael Crowley as new managing director

Meat and Livestock Australia has announced its new managing director five months after Jason Strong resigned.

Michael Crowley has been announced as the new managing director for MLA.

Meat and Livestock Australia’s will today announce a new managing director, five months after announcing the resignation of former boss, Jason Strong.

The new leader of the producer levy-funded research and development organisation is set to be Michael Crowley, who will take up his post on May 27, according to industry insiders.

Mr Crowley spent 14 years with MLA before taking on the role of chief executive officer with Herefords Australia, just over a year ago.

During his time with MLA he managed Meat Standards Australia, held roles managing Europe and Russia and was the general manager for research.

The news comes as a blow to Herefords Australia, as the breed society has spent recent years working hard to improve its presence in the beef industry.

In a letter to members today, Hereford Australia chair Ian Durkin said the appointment, while a “great opportunity for Michael”, it was a “significant loss to Herefords Australia”.

“However I want to ensure you that due to long term planning and due diligence, the operations of Herefords Australia will continue uninterrupted whilst we undertake an extensive search for a long-term CEO to lead Herefords Australia into the next phase,” Mr Durkin said.

He said Mr Crowley had continued the “great work” of former CEO Lisa Sharp, transforming the business “into a professional workplace with a number of improvements in place that supports the long-term future for the business and ultimately the breed”.

Mr Durkin said the board of Herefords Australia had developed a very clear strategy and remained committed to its implementation.

“Michael has put in place systems and a structure that will enable the Herefords Australia team to continue to deliver great service to you our members while we work through a thorough process to find a high calibre CEO to lead our organisation,” he said.

Mr Crowley would continue in his role during upcoming major events of Beef Australia in Rockhampton and the Herefords Australia National Show & Sale along with the breed forum being held in Wodonga, before moving to MLA at the end of May.

“The board recognise the disruption that the change in CEO creates and this was not an easy decision for Michael,” he said.

“It is however a once in a lifetime opportunity and the timing is rarely convenient but we as a Board support Michael in his career progression fully.”

Mr Crowley’s appoint to MLA follows Jason Strong’s resignation late last year.

Mr Strong spent five years at the helm of MLA, arguably one of the most high profile jobs in Australia’s beef and sheep sector, taking over from Richard Norton in 2018.

Prior to Mr Norton’s tenure, MLA was lead by David Palmer.