Andrew McDonald
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Andrew is the son of the Bindaree Food Group founder, JR McDonald, and first joined the business in 1988. Over the next 15 years, Andrew dedicated himself to working in every department, advancing through the ranks, and developing an in-depth understanding of the key drivers across our operations. As a result, he became highly skilled in both upstream and downstream elements of the business . Since his return in 2012, Andrew has been instrumental in driving the development of our business transformation plan, but more importantly, he has built an exceptionally strong executive and management team around him.
Andrew is the son of the Bindaree Food Group founder, JR McDonald, and first joined the business in 1988. Over the next 15 years, Andrew dedicated himself to working in every department, advancing through the ranks, and developing an in-depth understanding of the key drivers across our operations. As a result, he became highly skilled in both upstream and downstream elements of the business . Since his return in 2012, Andrew has been instrumental in driving the development of our business transformation plan, but more importantly, he has built an exceptionally strong executive and management team around him.
Todd Newton
Executive General Manager - Corporate Services
Todd is an accomplished professional with over two decades of experience in the livestock and processing industry. As the Executive General Manager of Corporate Services at Bindaree Food Group, Todd provides strategic leadership across several key areas, including health and safety, environment and sustainability (including ESG), group compliance, and corporate risk. Previously serving as Chief People Officer, Todd also led human resources, IT and payroll. This experience continues to inform his holistic, people-first approach. His deep industry knowledge and ability to navigate complex regulatory environments make him a trusted leader within the business. Grounded in strong family values, Todd remains committed to employee wellbeing and building a safe, sustainable future for the entire Bindaree team.
Todd is an accomplished professional with over two decades of experience in the livestock and processing industry. As the Executive General Manager of Corporate Services at Bindaree Food Group, Todd provides strategic leadership across several key areas, including health and safety, environment and sustainability (including ESG), group compliance, and corporate risk. Previously serving as Chief People Officer, Todd also led human resources, IT and payroll. This experience continues to inform his holistic, people-first approach. His deep industry knowledge and ability to navigate complex regulatory environments make him a trusted leader within the business. Grounded in strong family values, Todd remains committed to employee wellbeing and building a safe, sustainable future for the entire Bindaree team.
Andrew Simpson
CHIEF STRATEGY & INVESTMENT OFFICER
Andrew flew in from Singapore in 2018 to reside in Inverell and take up the role of CCO at Bindaree. With a wealth of experience spanning three decades in international meat trade, Andrew brings a deep understanding of global supply chain complexities and continues to lead the alignment between market pillars and the company’s buy, make, and sell divisions. In 2024, Andrew was promoted to CSIO, overseeing group strategic investments targeting change management, growth, and business sustainability. Holding a degree in Agricultural Science, an MBA, and being a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD), he also sits on the Board of the Australian Meat Industry Council.
Andrew flew in from Singapore in 2018 to reside in Inverell and take up the role of CCO at Bindaree. With a wealth of experience spanning three decades in international meat trade, Andrew brings a deep understanding of global supply chain complexities and continues to lead the alignment between market pillars and the company’s buy, make, and sell divisions. In 2024, Andrew was promoted to CSIO, overseeing group strategic investments targeting change management, growth, and business sustainability. Holding a degree in Agricultural Science, an MBA, and being a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD), he also sits on the Board of the Australian Meat Industry Council.
Nigel Blakemore
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Nigel joined the passionate foodies at Bindaree Food Group in 2018 to support Andrew and the team in delivering on its long-term business aspirations. He has played a key role in enhancing the finance team's capabilities while aiding the development of the business's control framework as it continues its growth trajectory. With over 20 years of experience in the meat industry, Nigel previously held various finance leadership executive roles at Woolworths, including CFO for the joint venture between Woolworths and Hilton Food Group, where he led finance teams in supporting the entire Woolworths meat supply chain from paddock to processing, to store, to plate. His passion lies in the meat game.
Nigel joined the passionate foodies at Bindaree Food Group in 2018 to support Andrew and the team in delivering on its long-term business aspirations. He has played a key role in enhancing the finance team's capabilities while aiding the development of the business's control framework as it continues its growth trajectory. With over 20 years of experience in the meat industry, Nigel previously held various finance leadership executive roles at Woolworths, including CFO for the joint venture between Woolworths and Hilton Food Group, where he led finance teams in supporting the entire Woolworths meat supply chain from paddock to processing, to store, to plate. His passion lies in the meat game.
Rowen Winsor
CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER
Rowen Winsor brings over 25 years of people-focused leadership to Bindaree Food Group, with experience in mining, manufacturing, energy, defence aviation, construction, and finance. Known for her commercial acumen and commitment to people and culture, she’s led high-performing teams and delivered major people strategies across regional and global organisations. Passionate about inclusive, safe workplaces, Rowen is a certified Australian HR Institute professional and Australian Institute of Company Directors graduate. She serves on boards for reconciliation and regional development. At Bindaree, Rowen ensures our people remain at the centre of everything we do.
Rowen Winsor brings over 25 years of people-focused leadership to Bindaree Food Group, with experience in mining, manufacturing, energy, defence aviation, construction, and finance. Known for her commercial acumen and commitment to people and culture, she’s led high-performing teams and delivered major people strategies across regional and global organisations. Passionate about inclusive, safe workplaces, Rowen is a certified Australian HR Institute professional and Australian Institute of Company Directors graduate. She serves on boards for reconciliation and regional development. At Bindaree, Rowen ensures our people remain at the centre of everything we do.
BRAD NEWMAN
GROUP GENERAL MANAGER OF OPERATIONS
Since starting with Bindaree Food Group in 1997, Brad has built an extensive career that now sees him leading as Group General Manager of Operations. Brad has led production, warehousing, logistics, inventory management, and customer service, providing a strategic, end-to-end supply chain perspective focused on safety, efficiency, and compliance. He is dedicated to building high-performing teams and driving continuous improvement across operations. Brad’s leadership style is defined by accountability, industry knowledge, and delivering sustainable performance outcomes for the business.
Since starting with Bindaree Food Group in 1997, Brad has built an extensive career that now sees him leading as Group General Manager of Operations. Brad has led production, warehousing, logistics, inventory management, and customer service, providing a strategic, end-to-end supply chain perspective focused on safety, efficiency, and compliance. He is dedicated to building high-performing teams and driving continuous improvement across operations. Brad’s leadership style is defined by accountability, industry knowledge, and delivering sustainable performance outcomes for the business.
Fred Vilonel
CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
Fred brings 40+ years of technical and industry knowledge to his role as CIO, where he’s focused on digital growth and operational integration. With a background spanning the beef industry as well as industrial research, development, and automation, Fred leverages data science and systems integration to drive digital growth and enhance operational performance. Fred holds a degree in Electronics and Industrial Automation and several cybersecurity certifications, including CISM. Previously, he was Group Manager of IT & Systems at Australian Country Choice, leading digital and automation projects.
Fred brings 40+ years of technical and industry knowledge to his role as CIO, where he’s focused on digital growth and operational integration. With a background spanning the beef industry as well as industrial research, development, and automation, Fred leverages data science and systems integration to drive digital growth and enhance operational performance. Fred holds a degree in Electronics and Industrial Automation and several cybersecurity certifications, including CISM. Previously, he was Group Manager of IT & Systems at Australian Country Choice, leading digital and automation projects.
Hannah Syme
GENERAL COUNSEL & COMPANY SECRETARY
Appointed as General Counsel and Company Secretary in February 2025, Hannah provides strategic legal support to Bindaree Food Group. With over 15 years’ experience in corporate and commercial law, she has worked in private practice in Brisbane and Sydney, specialising in mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, inbound investment, and international restructures. Before Bindaree, she advised multinational corporations, with Bindaree her first in-house role. Hannah holds a Bachelor of Laws and Economics from the University of Queensland. She brings a can-do attitude, passion for agribusiness, and a collaborative approach.
Appointed as General Counsel and Company Secretary in February 2025, Hannah provides strategic legal support to Bindaree Food Group. With over 15 years’ experience in corporate and commercial law, she has worked in private practice in Brisbane and Sydney, specialising in mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, inbound investment, and international restructures. Before Bindaree, she advised multinational corporations, with Bindaree her first in-house role. Hannah holds a Bachelor of Laws and Economics from the University of Queensland. She brings a can-do attitude, passion for agribusiness, and a collaborative approach.
Zac McInerney
GENERAL MANAGER OF LIVESTOCK
A key member of Bindaree Food Group since 2018, Zac combines financial insight with operational know-how to lead livestock procurement. He’s delivered cost-saving initiatives and streamlined processes to boost supply chain efficiency. As Group General Manager – Livestock, Zac leads the procurement strategy, aligning purchasing with broader sales and operational goals. His experience spans feedlots, farms, live export, and strategic roles with Meat & Livestock Australia and other agribusinesses. Zac brings deep supply chain insight and a passion for livestock care. A collaborative leader, he empowers his team and builds strong stakeholder relationships to drive results.
A key member of Bindaree Food Group since 2018, Zac combines financial insight with operational know-how to lead livestock procurement. He’s delivered cost-saving initiatives and streamlined processes to boost supply chain efficiency. As Group General Manager – Livestock, Zac leads the procurement strategy, aligning purchasing with broader sales and operational goals. His experience spans feedlots, farms, live export, and strategic roles with Meat & Livestock Australia and other agribusinesses. Zac brings deep supply chain insight and a passion for livestock care. A collaborative leader, he empowers his team and builds strong stakeholder relationships to drive results.
Yuki Qian
GENERAL MANAGER SALES
Yuki brings 14 years of experience from Coles' meat division to Bindaree Food Group, including five years managing Coles' global beef export operations. With a CPA background, she transitioned to international trade, gaining expertise in livestock, production and global beef export. Yuki's comprehensive "buy, make and sell" knowledge and market strategy skills make her an invaluable asset in driving our sales initiatives. Her blend of financial acumen and meat industry experience positions her perfectly to drive our sales strategies, aligning with our commitment to delivering tailored protein solutions across Australian and international markets.
Yuki brings 14 years of experience from Coles' meat division to Bindaree Food Group, including five years managing Coles' global beef export operations. With a CPA background, she transitioned to international trade, gaining expertise in livestock, production and global beef export. Yuki's comprehensive "buy, make and sell" knowledge and market strategy skills make her an invaluable asset in driving our sales initiatives. Her blend of financial acumen and meat industry experience positions her perfectly to drive our sales strategies, aligning with our commitment to delivering tailored protein solutions across Australian and international markets.
Kieran Best
GROUP GENERAL MANAGER OF VALUE CHAIN OPTIMISATION
Kieran joined Bindaree Food Group in September 2024 as Group General Manager of Value Chain Optimisation. He leads teams across Production Planning, Transport, Export Shipping, and Warehousing to ensure products move safely, efficiently, and in full compliance from abattoir to customers. Before Bindaree, Kieran spent 18 years with Woolworths Group in Australia and New Zealand in senior roles across meat operations, buying, category and contract management, and domestic sales. He also worked in the software industry supporting meat processors in Asia Pacific to digitise planning. Kieran holds an MBA from Macquarie University and is a Trade Qualified Butcher.
Kieran joined Bindaree Food Group in September 2024 as Group General Manager of Value Chain Optimisation. He leads teams across Production Planning, Transport, Export Shipping, and Warehousing to ensure products move safely, efficiently, and in full compliance from abattoir to customers. Before Bindaree, Kieran spent 18 years with Woolworths Group in Australia and New Zealand in senior roles across meat operations, buying, category and contract management, and domestic sales. He also worked in the software industry supporting meat processors in Asia Pacific to digitise planning. Kieran holds an MBA from Macquarie University and is a Trade Qualified Butcher.
From humble beginnings we’ve grown to deliver tailored protein solutions from the paddock to the plate across Australian and international markets. We are at the forefront of food trends with a global protein network, and believe in a connected, sustainable Australian beef supply chain.
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