CATALYST® expands into Australia
CATALYST® welcomes Sydney-based consultant, Gerard McEvilly, to the team. CATALYST® founding partner, Jane Lancaster, says moving into Australia is a logical progression for the company and Gerard brings a strong and valued work experience to the role.
“Australian companies face many similar issues to New Zealand companies in developing competitive advantage and sustainable innovations in their supply chains, and the services which CATALYST® offers have high relevance,” Jane says.
Gerard has worked as an agribusiness innovation manager and has an extensive knowledge of supply chain, climate change and sustainability issues in Australia, with a particular focus on horticulture.
Gerard comments “Australian agribusiness is less export oriented than the NZ industry, so has been less active in addressing the “food miles” issue. However, with increasing pressure from imports, industry leaders are recognizing the need to seek efficiencies. CATALYST®ability to “track the carbon trail” enables them to identify weaknesses and opportunities in information, coordination and innovation along the chain."
Gerard managed the strategic planning and R&D programmes for a range of horticultural industries with Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) for over 13 years. As a senior manager with HAL he led major whole-of-industry programmes in sustainable development. These included the "Horticulture for Tomorrow" Environmental Assurance program and the Horticulture Water Initiative.
Gerard also has a strong interest in education and training. He lectures part-time at Sydney University, has managed a Federal rural training program and initiated a careers and courses guide for horticulture, first published in 2009. Click here to learn more about Gerard and to view his bio.