The board of WA Meat Industry Authority (WAMIA) has appointed a new chief executive officer this month in line with their decision to change the direction of Muchea Livestock Center.
Chairman David Locke expressed his concern about failing operations at the centre last October, and since Renata Paliskis tendered her resignation in November 2014, the hunt has been on to find a new CEO who can ameliorate the day to day issues experienced by users of the venue as well as increase revenue by securing leases for surrounding land at the property.
Mr Andrew Williams has now officially taken on the role, leaving his previous position as Western Power real estate manager. Before his tenue at Western Power, Mr Williams spent 15 years with the Wesfarmers Group and its subsidiaries, including CSBP and Bunnings.
Mr Williams has also worked for many years as the livestock manager at the Royal Show.
Announcement of Mr Williams’s appointment has already been in the news. Mr Williams told Farm Weekly he has a diverse background, and is keen to start in his new position. He has been responsible for a number of different committees (as part of the RAS), including the cattle committee, showgrounds redevelopment and strategic planning.
“I have been around cattle people, I understand the industry, but I’m sure I will get to learn a lot more about it very quickly.”
“At the end of the day it’s about getting people together and trying to solve problems and get the best outcomes for all the different stakeholders – and there are many,” Mr Williams said.
Andrew’s prior real estate experience will be invaluable to Muchea’s intended future. WAMIA chairman David Lock said “Mr William’s real estate knowledge will help with one of our primary tasks — to utilise the land more effectively at Muchea,” he said.
Mr Williams expects to be on the ground at the center, getting a handle on the operations and gaining an understanding of primary stakeholders.
Big changes are already in the wind as the center announced last week that the four major livestock companies had agreed to shift the Muchea trade cattle sale day to Tuesdays. Whilst the proposed change has elicited a wide range of opinions, many negative, the decision is tangible evidence of WAMIA’s intent to improve operations by thinking stategically.
