Experienced AEGIC Director Matt Macfarlane has been appointed Chair of the AEGIC Board.
Mr Macfarlane, who has served on the AEGIC Board since its inception in 2012, takes over the role from retiring Ron Storey. Mr Macfarlane is an experienced board chair in the technology, agriculture and non-for-profit sectors, and has been an active investor in early-stage tech startup companies for over 20 years.
New Director Terry Hill joins current Directors Karlie Mucjanko, Stuart Richardson and Mr Macfarlane.
Mr Macfarlane said he was honoured to take the reins from Mr Storey, who has served on the AEGIC Board for eight years, including four years as Chair.
“Ron is an unshakeable advocate for AEGIC’s purpose of increasing value in the Australian grains industry and he leaves the organisation in an excellent position,” he said.
“I am excited to lead the AEGIC Board and I look forward to continuing to work closely with the team led by Executive General Manager Courtney Draper, AEGIC’s Members and the Australian grains industry to maximise AEGIC’s impact and value.”
Mr Storey said it had been a privilege to contribute to AEGIC’s work in the industry.
“I’ve been blessed with great Director colleagues and an outstanding AEGIC team and we’ve made a difference. I look forward to seeing Matt, the Board and AEGIC staff chart the next phase,” he said.
AEGIC’s newest Director Terry Hill brings extensive government experience to the AEGIC Board and a strong commitment to developing regional Australia and Australian agriculture.
Mr Hill is the current Chair and former CEO of the Pilbara Development Commission, and has held several senior positions at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), including leading the department as Director General.
Matt Macfarlane biography
Matt Macfarlane has been an AEGIC Director since its inception in November 2012. Matt was appointed AEGIC Chair in November 2024.
Matt is also the Chair of icetana (ASX:ICE), an AI-video analytics company, and of PetRescue, a pet rehoming charity. He is also a non-executive director of AgriFutures, a statutory body that helps to fund research and development in Australian rural industries.
Matt is an active angel investor in early-stage tech startups, and has been contributing to the startup eco-system in Perth for over 20 years. Matt works hands-on with technology-led companies to assist in building teams, accelerating growth, achieving milestones and securing additional financing.
Terry Hill biography
Terry Hill is the current Chair and former CEO of the Pilbara Development Commission and is strongly committed to supporting the sustainability and growth of regional Australia and Australian agriculture.
Terry has held a number of executive roles in federal and state government, including Director General of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Deputy Chair of the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation, and a foundation Director of Horticulture Australia Ltd. In a previous leadership role with DPIRD, Terry managed the commercialisation of intellectual property, including the highly successful Pink Lady apple.
Terry has also worked internationally leading industry trade missions to Asia and a significant agricultural aid project in Indonesia with Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).
AEGIC Board
- Matt Macfarlane (independent Director and Chair)
- Stuart Richardson (Grains Australia-nominated Director)
- Terry Hill AM (DPIRD-nominated Director)
- Karlie Mucjanko (independent Director)
Click here for AEGIC Board bios
AEGIC is an initiative of the Western Australian State Government and Grains Australia.
