Dr Stephens, who is a specialist in agricultural research and development, joins returning directors Max Roberts and Stephen O’Rourke to fill the board’s three vacant positions.

Dairy Australia’s managing director Mike Ginnivan said Dr Stephens' expertise across a range of industries would help dairy remain innovative and flexible.

“His knowledge and passion for research and development will fit well with the existing skills on the board. The industry looks forward to his contribution,” Dr Ginnivan said.

Dr Stephens said he wanted to join Dairy Australia’s board because of “a deep interest in working with farmers and scientists to produce new ideas and technologies that enhance the prosperity of rural Australia.”

“This prosperity is achieved by providing new and better products to consumers and I will be working to ensure that this philosophy drives the short and long-term goals of Dairy Australia,” Dr Stephens said.

He added that all research and development should be based on close consultation with farmers, scientists and dairy factories to ensure it was relevant.

“The outcome measures must be crystal clear and staff must be accountable for achieving outcomes, with commensurate rewards. I will encourage innovation and creative thinking along with a global approach to finding the best ideas to deliver the needs of the dairy industry,” he said.

Dr Stephens has an extensive career in agricultural research and development across a range of industries including dairy and is managing director of Australian Seafood CRC.

After studying veterinary science at Melbourne University, Dr Stephens worked as a diagnostic pathologist for the dairy industry at the Victorian Department of Primary Industries before becoming head of the Victorian Institute of Animal Science at Attwood.

From there he moved into leadership roles at Meat Research Corporation and Meat & Livestock Australia, where he managed all on-farm and live-export research and development. He has also served as the chief executive officer of Australian Wool Innovation.

ENDS

For more information contact Sid Pickering on 03 9694 3894 or 0418 175 611 or This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it