DR CHRISTINE Pitt will step down from her role as chief executive officer of Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) Donor Company (MDC) next month to pursue other business interests.
Dr Pitt leaves the company after an accomplished 25-year career in the red meat sector with MLA and its predecessor, the Meat Research Corporation (MRC).
During this period she has undertaken a range of senior roles.
MLA managing director Richard Norton paid tribute to Dr Pitt’s contribution and thanked her for her service to MLA and the broader Australian red meat industry.
“Christine has a well-earned reputation as one of the most incisive and creative thought leaders, not just in the red meat industry and agriculture sector, but in the broader national research, development and innovation community,” Mr Norton said.
“She has always looked to the future and she has never been shy in challenging the norm or setting new horizons for innovation in our industry.”
During Dr Pitt’s time with MLA, she led a series of major initiatives, some of the most notable of which include the processing sector automation strategy; introduction of value chain thinking and design into the industry; high value food and packaging innovation and the development of the I+E Connect platform to ensure the red meat industry is at the forefront of new AgTech and FoodTech innovations.
Mr Norton said Dr Pitt has taken the MDC annual investment portfolio from $30 million to almost $100 million.
“One of her greatest legacies will be her establishment of many initiatives aimed at building the innovation capability of enterprises and individuals along the whole value chain,” he said.
These include the Co-Innovation Strategies Program that has seen a significant increase in the level of private investment and accelerated adoption of innovation; the Young Food Innovators program which is building a generation of new talent in both farming and food production for our industry and the Producer Innovation Fast-Track program which reflects her passion for mentoring and supporting innovative producers as they seek to improve their businesses and explore new opportunities for growth.
