New CEO for the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research

Today I announce the appointment of Mr Andrew Campbell as Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).

ACIAR is Australia's premier international agricultural research body. It plays a critical role in supporting research partnerships that achieve productive, profitable and sustainable farming systems in developing countries.

Mr Campbell has worked in natural resource management in research and leadership roles in Australia for over 25 years. He was most recently the Director of the Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods at Charles Darwin University, and was previously the Executive Director of Land & Water Australia and Managing Director of Triple Helix Consulting.

Mr Campbell has also held senior policy roles in land, water and biodiversity management as a senior executive in the Australian Government. He was instrumental in the development of Landcare in Australia as the first National Landcare Facilitator.

I thank outgoing CEO Dr Nick Austin for his service to ACIAR. Dr Austin led ACIAR through a time of significant change which has seen Australia's efforts in international agriculture research become a central pillar of our broader aid program.

Mr Campbell will commence his five-year term on 31 July 2016.