This week the VFF welcomed two new General Managers in a move that now completes our new VFF Leadership Team. You can read more about them below.
Robert Taylor, General Manager Governance and Business Services
Robert has over 20 years of experience in key leadership roles, including an extensive background in in governance, contracts and commercial knowledge within the sporting, retirement, government public-private partnerships infrastructure, construction and National Disability Insurance sectors.
He has completed his Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Legal Studies, International Politics and Human Rights, Graduate Diploma in Professional Legal Practice and Certificate IV in Property Services and is a qualified lawyer and an Officer of the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Robert has significant commercial leasing and project management experience, including large Victorian Government and water procurement projects.
In his role at the VFF, Robert will be responsible for providing operational and expert level strategic advice, legal compliance, industrial relations and human resources, including employment or engagement arrangements, investigations, policy and disputed matters.
Anita Donnelly, General Manager Promotions and Communications
Anita is an enthusiastic and motivated professional with extensive experience developing and executing industry-leading, data informed marketing plans and campaigns within the digital, broadcast and physical landscapes.
She has significant background leading strategic planning processes, operations and staff, delivering innovative events and activations, working with all levels of Government, multiple Boards and managing numerous stakeholders.
Anita has previously held the roles of Marketing and Partnership Development Manager at the National Trust, General Manager of Visit Ballarat, CEO of Destination Docklands, Marketing Manager at Chadstone The Fashion Capital, Events Manager at Racing Victoria, and Deputy CEO of the Victoria Tourism and Event Industry Councils.
She has completed a degree in International Studies and a Masters in Tourism Marketing.
In her role at the VFF, Anita will be responsible for: ensuring effective and proactive communication with Victorian farmers, the community and government; developing a broad commercial partnership and sponsorship portfolio; overseeing all events and marketing; and the development of the VFF brand to ensure value is delivered to Victorian farmers.
Luke Hooke, General Manager Policy
Luke comes from a farming background in northern Victoria and began his career in the VFF Policy Team before gaining experience in Federal and State politics.
He has experience in policy development and issues management in the water, climate, environment, animal welfare policy areas. Before taking on this role he was the VFF Manager of Stakeholder, Policy and Advocacy.
Luke holds a Bachelor of Laws/International Relations, a Graduate Diploma in Professional Political Practice, is a member of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria’s Youth Advisory Committee and a CFA volunteer.
His focus leading the VFF Policy Team is on ensuring a rigorous and inclusive policy development process and ensuring VFF advocacy is effecting change.
Simon McNair, General Manager Farmer Engagement
Simon is an experienced Grains Industry executive well known to many of our grains members.
With experience in CEO and General Manager roles covering general management, grain trading and supply chain operations, Simon brings a wealth of knowledge to VFF and the commercial issues facing our members.
As General Manager Farmer Engagement, Simon’s focus will be on improving engagement with members to ensure we better understand and deliver on the issues facing members.