Pet Industry Association announces
Roger Perkins as new CEO

15 April 2010

The President of the Pet Industry Association of Australia (“PIAA”), Steve Austin, announced today that the Board has appointed Roger Perkins as Chief Executive of the PIAA.

Mr Austin said that the Board had searched extensively for a Chief Executive to lead the PIAA in the wake of some challenging issues facing the pet industry.

Mr Austin said: “The board was delighted when Roger accepted the position.  Roger, educated with Engineering and Master of Business Administration Degrees, has applied his business expertise at the helm of a number of significant enterprises.  His most recent CEO role was with the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW and prior to that ran ANL Limited, the previously owned Australian Government shipping company.  Roger has a strong commitment to growing the relevance and size of the PIAA and has gained considerable respect among staff, volunteers and stakeholders in his previous positions.”

Mr Perkins takes the reins at a challenging time with a clear focus to build on the Strategic Plan put in place by the Board in 2008 and focus on meeting and indeed exceeding members’ expectations, which in particular recognises the need for long-term sustainability.  When taking the reins of office he said: “As Chief Executive of the PIAA, I will continue to build a rigorous financial and management framework which supports our core programs of membership, training, conferences, education and government relationships.”

He continued: “The PIAA is the leading association representing Australia’s $4.62b pet industry.  We have experienced strong growth but with many ongoing opportunities for further development.  Whilst looking to continue the expansion of membership, I also look forward to facilitating and leading improvements in industry knowledge, standards and training and in promoting members to the public and the trade.  It is also apparent that we need to play a major role in advocacy and lobbying on behalf of the industry and in facilitating and leading industry networking and cohesion.”

“I have a strong commitment to the welfare of companion animals and recognise the enormous benefits of these animals bring to our community.”

“My approach is embracing and conciliatory and I am keen that the PIAA draws all our stakeholders together to discuss the important issues and collectively find solutions for the common good so that the PIAA is acknowledged as having a valued role in shaping the pet industry’s future”, Mr Perkins said.