New Zealand
Strategic, future-focused leader with 20+ years of international experience across Argentina, Australia and New Zealand, working at the intersection of innovation, science, technology and commercial impact in agriculture. I have led and grown programs across commercial agribusiness, research organisations and industry-good bodies, securing major investment, building high-trust partnerships, and shaping and delivering strategies that deliver real-world outcomes for farmers and the wider sector. Known for operating comfortably in complex and evolving environments, I bring clarity, structure and a people-first leadership style, enabling teams, networks and organisations to perform, adapt and grow. With roots in dairy and experience across broader agriculture, I bring a global perspective, strong networks and a track record of connecting ideas, people and investment. I am motivated by leadership roles where strategy, relationships, communication and capability come together to shape the future of the sector.
Responsible for strengthening the performance of DairyNZ’s science system to maximise value for New Zealand dairy farmers. Connecting strategy, delivery, and visibility by integrating science across programmes, teams, and research environments, lifting end-to-end performance from design through to on-farm impact. Partnering with industry and the wider sector to ensure science remains relevant, credible, and effectively translated into practice.
• Lead DairyNZ’s science team of 30+ scientists, project officers, postdocs and students across water quality, forage, farm systems and animal science. 6 direct reports. • Influence the strategic direction, foster organisational alignment, and champion the value of science within and beyond the organisation. • Lead capability development, resourcing, and talent strategy to deliver on organisational and sector priorities, while managing workload and wellbeing. • Drive a culture of connection, collaboration and delivery across the team and the wider business. • Influenced large organisation-wide strategic initiatives, including strategy development, transformation office, and matrix management. • Drive quality, impact, and capability uplift across the science function. • Engage with external stakeholders and provide thought leadership and strategic guidance within cross-organisational science programs. • Chaired the organising committee of the 4th International Precision Dairy Farming Conference (December 2025, Christchurch, New Zealand), that was attended by over 400 people from 22 countries. Secured the support of 30 sponsors and exhibitors to run the conference.
The International Precision Dairy Reference Association has 2 main aims: organise an international conference (once every 3 years) and maintain / share information through a website (http://www.precisiondairyfarming.com/). There is also regular communication regarding collaborations and meetings on this topic.
• Elected to the Council of the Dairy Research Foundation. • Recognised for leadership in teaching, supervision, and research. • Focus areas: automation, technology adoption, and dairy production systems. • Member of the organising committee of the Dairy Research Foundation (DRF) Symposium and coordinator of the Emerging Scientist competition. • Supervised and co-supervised PhD students (3), Honour students (3) and trainees (2).
• Led NSW DPI’s dairy RD&E strategy, capability, and program portfolio, delivering regional, state, and national impact. 7 direct reports. • Built strong partnerships, secured major investment, and positioned NSW DPI as a national leader in dairy innovation and resilience. • Played a key role in developing and securing $24 million (AUD) for collaborative industry projects (e.g: Dairy Farm Monitor Project, DairyUP, Milking Edge, NSW Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program), including $6 million (AUD) led by NSW Department of Primary Industries (e.g., Milking Edge: $1.4 million AUD). • Actively supported the NSW dairy industry through drought, fire, flood, and COVID-19, leading strategic response and recovery initiatives. • Represented NSW Department of Primary Industries and the dairy industry on national strategy forums. • Represented the Livestock Systems Unit in the development of NSW DPI’s Agriculture 2020–2030 R&D Strategy and NSW DPI Stronger Primary Industries Strategy 2021-2030 (for whole of NSW Primary Industries). • Translated science into practice through extension and engagement activities. • Mentored early-career professionals through the NSW DairySage Mentoring Program and the NSW Department of Industry Mentoring Program. • Served as a regular spokesperson for media (radio, print, digital) and promoted the role of dairy RD&E within the NSW Department of Primary Industries in public communication.
‘Milking Edge’ was a ~4-year project by NSW Department of Primary Industries in collaboration with Dairy Australia and DeLaval, to ‘Support industry to consider, invest and operate automatic milking systems (AMS) successfully’. https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/animals-and-livestock/dairy/robotic-milking-systems/ams-projects/milking-edge
• Established national leadership in research, extension and adoption of technology and automation in dairy systems (particularly robotic milking).
The AgriFutures™ Ignite Advisory Panel is an opportunity offered to the AgriFutures™ Ignite Network. This Network aims to connect rural leaders with an interest in shaping the future of Australian rural industries and to encourage the changes they want to see across the agricultural sector. Panel members will advise on all aspects of AgriFutures™ Strategic R&D Plan 2017 – 2022 and the positioning of the organisation, arenas and priorities. The Panel is an exciting opportunity for passionate rural leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs – present and future – to draw on their experience and networks to provide meaningful and relevant advice to AgriFutures Australia. http://www.agrifutures.com.au/people-leadership/ignite/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/AgriFutures.Ignite/