AgForce General President Grant Maudsley today announced Charles Burke was stepping down as Chief Executive Officer in August after almost five years at the helm of the peak rural industry organisation.
Mr Maudsley thanked Mr Burke for his invaluable service, dedication and advocacy on behalf of Queensland's broadacre primary producers, and said he would leave a positive legacy of structural and governance reforms at AgForce.
"Charles is stepping down after almost five years in the role of CEO and representing AgForce for 16 years in positions such as Vice President, Treasurer, State Councillor and chair of various committees," Mr Maudsley said.
"A beef producer with cattle holdings near Esk in south-east Queensland, Charles also previously served as the Vice-President of the National Farmers' Federation and as a Director of NFF Limited.
"On behalf of the entire AgForce Board and all our members, I want to acknowledge Charles' enormous contribution to AgForce and to all of agriculture over many years, and wish him all the best for the future."
Mr Burke said he was proud of his achievements as AgForce CEO and it was now time to move on to allow for a fresh approach to guide the organisation through its next chapter.
It is now the right time to step aside, acknowledge the building work that has been done, and allow for someone with a fresh approach to capitalise on these achievements.
- Outgoing AgForce CEO Charles Burke
"When I started as CEO in October 2012, AgForce did not have a strategic plan, an operational plan or a plan for structural improvement and I implemented a process to address all these issues and make the most of the key capabilities AgForce already had," he said.
"AgForce now has a more modern, corporate structure with a smaller, more nimble governing Board that allows for more functional and timely decision making.
"While this structure has many features of a modern board, such as improved governance and a strategic focus, it still maintains the core values of an agricultural membership organisation focused on delivering better outcomes for primary producers and rural Queenslanders.
"It is now the right time to step aside, acknowledge the building work that has been done, and allow for someone with a fresh approach to capitalise on these achievements."
Mr Maudsley said the AgForce Board would begin the search for a new CEO shortly, with Mr Burke to stay in the role for the next three months to allow for a comprehensive recruitment process and ensure a smooth transition.