Former Beef Australia chairman Blair Angus has announced his retirement from the iconic event's board.
Mr Angus previously stepped down from the chairman position in 2018 after leading the last two Beef Australia events, but stayed on the board as the organisation transitioned to the leadership of current chairman, Bryce Camm and CEO Ian Mill.
"With the appointment of the new leadership team, along with some remarkable new directors joining the board, I feel it is in safe hands for me to step away to focus on my business interests that are demanding my full attention," he said.
Often known as Mr Beef, he is the owner and manager of Angus Pastoral Company, which runs 35,000 head of cattle across four properties in central and northern Queensland.
Mr Angus, wife Josie and their four children are passionate about the family's branded beef company, Signature Beef.
The company comprises of four beef brands, Kimberley Red, Angus Pastoral, Sondella and Oino Gustus and things are set to get even busier for the industry stalwart, with the impending development of Mr Angus' onsite processing facility at Kimberley Station, Clermont, set to break ground later this year.
"For 20 years, we've been packing our own beef and sharing it with consumers around the world, so the next evolutionary step was processing on-farm, something we are so excited that will now come to fruition after years of planning," he said.
Beef Australia chairman Bryce Camm acknowledged the contribution of Mr Angus' leadership in transforming the expo into the international event it is today.
"It's been a privilege to work alongside Blair in growing the Beef Australia platform," he said.
"Blair has a tremendous passion for food and new ways of utilising the most dynamic protein source, beef.
"His formation of the celebrity chef element to Beef Australia allows the event to communicate with a vast international audience and ensure that quality Australian beef is top of mind for the world's culinary experts."
Mr Angus has promised his involvement with the event will continue even after leaving the board.
"After over 16 years on the board Beef Australia is in my blood, I will always be an advocate for the event," he said.
"Now I get to look forward to supporting the greatest beef event in the world as a spectator."
Beef Australia returns to Rockhampton from May 2 to 8, 2021.
