New Chief Executive Officer for Holstein Australia

Rohan Butler, formerly Holstein Australia’s Genetic Improvement and Research Manager has formally taken up his new role of Chief Executive Officer effective Monday 3 August. Mr Butler succeeds outgoing CEO, Graeme Gillan.

“I am honoured to have been appointed Holstein Australia CEO,” says Mr Butler. “It is a privilege to head up an organisation that leads in the delivery of high quality herd improvement services and innovative solutions for dairy farmers, and one that I have been part of for the last 10 years.

“In what is a challenging time for many in our industry, I am looking forward to working ever more closely with members, our Sub-Branches and the wider dairy community to continue the development of the Holstein breed in Australia. The next few months will be a very busy time for us, with the launch of our new 5 year strategic business plan, a focus on refining the way we deliver services to members and the introduction of new initiatives to assist dairy farmers in building long term sustainability in their businesses.”

Patrick Glass, Chair of the Holstein Australia board, says that the appointment of Rohan as CEO marks an exciting new chapter for the Association.

“I can think of no one better to lead Holstein Australia into the future. Formerly a key member of the Association’s  management team, Rohan has been instrumental in ensuring that Holstein Australia has developed and evolved its core services, particularly in the genetics space, to better meet the needs of members and industry. He is a widely respected figure throughout the Australian dairy genetics industry which makes him the perfect choice to lead Holstein Australia into the future.

“On behalf of the Board I would also like to thank Graeme for his incredible contribution to the Association and the herd improvement industry. Under his watch Holstein Australia’s governance has been transformed, with the measures put in place underpinning the financial sustainability of the Association. His contribution to Holstein Australia over the last six years has been invaluable.”

Prior to joining Holstein Australia, Mr Butler was Young Sire Program Coordinator for Semex Australia. Over his 20 year career in the industry he has developed a reputation as an innovator in the way services are delivered to breeders. Mr Butler grew up in the Adelaide Hills in South Australia, holds a Bachelor of Agriculture from Adelaide University and a Master's of Agriculture from Melbourne University. He lives in Gippsland, Victoria, with his young family.

Former CEO, Graeme Gillan will work with the Association in an advisory capacity during the remainder of 2020.  Mr Gillan joined Holstein Australia as CEO in early 2014, leading the restructure of the Association during a time of rapid change for the dairy industry. Mr Gillan will retain his positions as Chair of the National Herd Improvement Association of Australia (NHIA) and DataGene director.