Warriner has succeeded previous incumbent Andy Gray, who decided not to stand for re-election and a second term as chairman of the NTLEA. The appointment was made at the organisation’s annual general meeting (AGM) in Darwin, the capital of Australia’s northern territory, this week.
Warriner has a long history in the beef industry and his most recent role was that of president of the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association. Before that, he held a host of leadership roles across Australia’s beef supply chain, including director of Beef Australia. He is also a graduate of Harvard Business School.
‘Challenges’
“David understands the livestock export industry and has great awareness of the role the live trade plays in the northern cattle industry,” said NTLEA CEO Stuart Kemp.
“His previous high-level management roles in the cattle supply chain and more recent work as an industry consultant has given him great insight into the whole sector, from the stock camp right through to the international market.”
Kemp stressed that Warriner’s leadership and advocacy skills would add value to Australian livestock exporters and help the industry “overcome market challenges”.
He added that capitalising on the present trade opportunities – like a pending free trade agreement with the European Union – would ensure “Darwin remains the central point in a modern and economically profitable trade which enjoys the support of government and the broader community”.
Kemp also thanked Gray for his two years of service at the helm of NTLEA and added he was “pleased” to have Warriner as the new chairman responsible for an industry worth around AU$600m ($543m).