The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) has a new chief executive officer, Peter Skillern.
Mr Skillern has been the TFGA’s policy and advocacy manager for the past two years and has an extensive career in banking and senior managerial roles. He specialises in finance and corporate governance.
The TFGA recruited nationally for the position, which followed former CEO Jan Davis’ decision not to seek reappointment.
“Not many people have the degree of diversity in their c.v. that Peter has,” TFGA president Wayne Johnston said today when announcing Mr Skillern’s appointment.
Mr Skillern has managed a group of family companies involved in construction, property development and agriculture. In a wide-ranging career he has also held executive posts with both Environment Tasmania and the Liberal Party. He runs a prime lamb property at Campania.
“Jan Davis took our profile to a new level,” Mr Johnston said.
“Peter Skillern is the person for the times. Agriculture in Tasmania is entering an exciting phase of development, triggered by the irrigation roll-out and the closer economic relations we have with China. The landscape is changing.”
Mr Skillern said he was honoured and excited by the prospect of leading a team of highly dedicated, skilled staff whose record already speaks for itself in terms of promoting farming and farmers among the community and among the decision-makers.
“ I believe our reputation for advocacy is second to none,” he said.
“When the TFGA speaks, people tend to listen these days. My job is to maintain and build on that credibility.”
TFGA president Wayne Johnston
