WEST PERTH, AUSTRALIA — The poll closed on Feb. 17 in the 2014 CBH Group member director election. The Western Australian Electoral Commission (WAEC) has counted the votes and advised the CBH Group that Rod Madden has been elected as a director in the District 1 election.

Madden stood for election against current Member Director Clancy Michael in the District 1 election. Madden produces grain and sheep on his farm in Morawa and was previously on the CBH board from 2006-12.

In other CBH Group districts, current Member Directors Vern Dempster and Wally Newman were both re-elected unopposed in Districts 2 and 4 respectively, at the close of nominations.

CBH Group Chairman Neil Wandel welcomed Madden on his return to the board.

"It is pleasing to see the re-election of two current member directors and the election of a new member director to the board. I look forward to working with Rod in the future," said Wandel.

Wandel acknowledged the important role that Michael played during his time on the board.

"On behalf of the board I take this opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding contribution to the CBH Group and the industry as a whole during his six year tenure as a CBH birector and the chairman of Lupin Foods Australia,” Wandel said.

"Michael has been a great contributor in a very successful growth period for the cooperative and he should be proud of his achievements and those of the CBH Group during this time. We wish him well with his future endeavors," said Wandel.

The CBH Group has announced that Samantha Tough will join its board as an independent director from Feb. 26. 

Tough will replace Diane Smith-Gander, who has advised she intends to retire as a director after the conclusion of her three-year term on the board.

Wandel said the appointment of Tough would bring valuable skills and experience to the board. She has extensive experience as a director and chair of a range of public and private companies.

The formal declaration of directors will take place at the CBH Group's 81st Annual General Meeting on Feb. 26, which is open to all registered CBH Group members.