Together with Australian Pork Limited, Australasian Pork Research Institute Ltd (APRIL) have just announced that their Chief Executive, Dr John Pluske, has taken on the role of Chief Scientist for the Australian Pork Industry.
John will become a Director of Australian Pork Limited and the Australasian Pork Research Institute.
As Chief Scientist, he will ensure coordination of the research and development effort across both organisations.
He will also have carriage of the annual ‘Green Paper’ process which captures the major issues affecting our industry.
John has successfully led APRIL since it took over from the Pork CRC.
He is an internationally renowned scientist and commands the support of the industry, which he has served for over 30 years.
The idea of a chief scientist for the industry has been discussed in the past but the opportunity to put such a position in place has proved elusive until now.
The Boards and management staff of APL and APRIL already work closely together, but greater coordination and strategic alignment are always welcome.
John’s long association with the industry, his scientific standing and his formal role as a director of both companies puts him in a potent position to ensure the research and development funded by the industry is most effective.
John Pluske has taken on the role of Chief Scientist for the Australian Pork Industry.
John will report jointly to the chair of APL, Andrew Baxter, and chair of APRIL, Dr Tony Peacock.
The directors and staff of APRIL and APL should be thanked for pulling together this historic new arrangement.
In other changes, Dr Charlie Rikard-Bell will step up to be the Executive Officer for APRIL.
In that role, Charlie will assume the day-to-day management and operation of APRIL, including taking charge of investment rounds and continue critical commercialisation duties.
I have already worked closely with Charlie on the AusScan Board and look forward to working together with him on the whole APRIL program.
Dr Charlie Rikard-Bell will step up to be the Executive Officer for APRIL.
Geoff Crook has stepped down as our Company Secretary and finance manager.
Geoff has been a critical link between the Pork CRC and APRIL.
The APRIL finances and Board papers are always first rate and Geoff’s long service to the industry never seems to get the acknowledgement and thanks it deserves.
Geoff will continue to be available on some contracting matters, which is very welcome.
Geoff Crook has stepped down as Company Secretary and finance manager.
Sally Vardy has been appointed as Company Secretary and finance manager.
Sally and I worked together previously at the Cooperative Research Centres Association, and she has several CRCs as clients in her accounting practice.
APRIL continues our services arrangement with APL, and I see the professionalism of Kelly Goh every month as she chases my missing receipts.
Sally Vardy has been appointed as Company Secretary and finance manager.
There will be a period of settling into the new arrangements and I expect further changes down the track will be needed to ensure proper management and project oversight.
As always, APRIL is very grateful to our students and research community and those who support them.
The Australian pork industry is science-driven and relies on the efforts of our researchers to stay competitive and to produce the safest, highest-quality products.
Dr Tony Peacock
Australasian Pork Research Institute Ltd
