New Federated Farmers Chief Executive

10 December 2004

Professional lobbyist Annabel Young is the new Chief Executive of Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc).

Ms Young, currently Tax Director of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of New Zealand, will take over from Tony St. Clair, who is stepping down after almost eight years as Chief Executive.

“Annabel was appointed after a very lengthy and considered process. With 18,500 members and 65 staff, we needed to ensure the right person was chosen,” said Tom Lambie, President of Federated Farmers.

“We want to further enhance the political advocacy of the Federation, so Annabel’s skills as a professional lobbyist are an excellent fit. Annabel’s reputation for delivering clear messages and starting projects from scratch while remaining member-focused makes her very well suited to manage the Federation,” Mr Lambie said.

Annabel Young says: “I am looking forward to working with the agricultural businesses of New Zealand. I want to work to improve the capacity of the Federation to deliver value to farmers especially by representing them at every level of government. I look forward to members telling me their concerns. Clearly, compliance costs are at the top of the list.”

A former Member of Parliament, Ms Young has also worked as a barrister and solicitor and a chartered accountant and has written a book about ways for citizens to become involved in the political process. Ms Young will begin as Chief Executive in February 2005.

ENDS

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