FLETCHER International Exports chief executive officer Melissa Fletcher has been elected as the first female chair of the Australian Meat Processor Corporation.

Melissa Fletcher

Ms Fletcher was voted into the role this week by her fellow board members on the red meat processing sector’s research and development service delivery body, having previously served two terms as deputy chair.

She succeeds JBS Australia director John Berry, who served six years as AMPC chairman.

Elected deputy chair yesterday was Dr John Langbridge, Teys Australia’s industry affairs manager.

Both as a woman, and as an Australian of proud aboriginal descent, Ms Fletcher brings a unique perspective to processing and her role at AMPC. Sheep Central wrote this profile on Ms Fletcher’s arrival as the first female industry representative on the AMPC board member back in 2017.

Ms Fletcher has more than 30 years of industry experience and as FIE chief executive officer of Fletcher International Exports, heads up one of Australia’s largest processors and exporters of lamb and sheep meat products.

Both Ms Fletcher and Dr Langbridge are well respected industry leaders and were elected to the board as processor directors following a ballot among AMPC’s members.

Ms Fletcher said she was honoured to be elected as chair of the AMPC Board.

“I thank the outgoing board for setting a solid foundation and I am committed to ensuring sound governance of AMPC to maximise value for the red meat processing industry,” she said.

John Langbridge is a veterinarian by trade who worked for the Australia Department of Agriculture for 27 years, followed by four years with the Australian Meat Industry Council. For the past seven years he has worked within Teys Australia, firstly as technical manager and most recently as manager of industry affairs.

In his current role he provides technical advice to Teys and its global customers, and liaises between Teys, industry, government and customers on issues related to meat safety, animal welfare, animal health, meat production, processing and exports. He also has responsibility for Teys Australia R&D programs.

He has represented Australia on the Codex Meat Hygiene Committee, the Australian Meat Standards Committee, FSANZ PPS working group, and the Australian Meat Industry Language and Standards Committee.

Mr Langbridge was elected to the AMPC board for the first time this year.

The AMPC board of directors consists of seven processor and two independent directors. In addition to the breadth and depth of professional experience that the directors bring, this year there is a record number of female directors on the board.

AMPC chief executive Chris Taylor said the new board had a diverse set of skills and attributes, and he looked forward to working with them in delivering our strategic aspirations.

“There is an exciting time ahead as we continue to invest in innovative solutions and drive support the $21 billion red meat processing industry that supports 138, 000 jobs in Australia,” Mr Taylor said.

About AMPC

The Australian Meat Processor Corporation is the research and development corporation for the red meat processing industry in Australia. As the R&D and marketing service provider for Australian processors, AMPC runs programs of activity that are funded by processor levy payers, private contributions, and the Australian Government. AMPC’s mission is to drive world-class innovation, adoption and strategic policy development through genuine partnerships built on trust.