There is no place for pessimism in the world of retiring HMRI Chairman Bob Kennedy. He has long enjoyed growing things – whether it’s wine grapes, businesses or medical research institutes – by creating the most positive and fertile-rich environments.

Farewell … Bob Kennedy is stepping down today after six years as Chairman of the HMRI Board.
 
There is no place for pessimism in the world of retiring HMRI Chairman Bob Kennedy. He has long enjoyed growing things – whether it’s wine grapes, businesses or medical research institutes – by creating the most positive and fertile-rich environments.

During a 20-year career with confectionary/petfood giant Mars, and 11 years as General Manager of Masterfoods Australia, Bob prided himself on taking ideas and running with them. “The word ‘can’t’ is not in my dictionary,” he says. “Whatever it is, you just have to take things one step at a time.”

Masterfoods had a turnover of $50 million when Bob took the helm. Under his guidance, this blossomed to $225 million while the company transitioned to a new, larger facility at Wyong.

Bob moved to the Hunter with wife Terry after buying the former Lindemans vineyard, now renamed Beyond Broke, and his so-called “hobby” recently yielded its 15th vintage under the label.

In March 2006 Bob met then HMRI Chairman Richard Owens, owner of a neighbouring property, and accepted an invitation to attend an HMRI Foundation marketing meeting, along with Jodi McKay and HMRI Operations Manager Brad Webb.

At only his second meeting, Jodi announced she was stepping down and that Bob would be the new Foundation chair. He became Chairman of the Board less than a year later, with the departure of Richard Owens.

“They were exciting times,” Bob recalls. “We were raising around $800,000 a year but a finance committee was formed and we set a fundraising target of $2 million in three years. It was the catalyst which put the organisation on its current growth trajectory.”

Research staff numbers were hovering around the 400 mark but have almost trebled since then, as has HMRI’s economic contribution.

Professor Maree Gleeson became HMRI Director during this period and, together with the Board, formulated a five-year strategic plan. Two KPIs were the construction of a new HMRI Building and appointment of an internationally recognised Director.

The $90 million Building had a 50% budget shortfall at the time, and the HMRI Board refused to commence construction until the funding was assured. It wasn’t until the 2009-10 Federal Budget that the final amount was allocated.

In addition, Bob helped secure the services of a respected Swedish researcher Professor Michael Nilsson as new HMRI Director.

“When you reflect on what this Board – and those before us – have achieved it is truly remarkable,” Bob said. “I have no doubt that the HMRI model is workable and successful.”

Professor Nilsson said that devotion and quiet determination had been the hallmarks of Bob’s leadership, with his “can-do” attitude inspiring those around him.

“Bob has been one of HMRI’s key driving and stabilising forces over the past six years. I was personally drawn from Sweden by the ground-breaking work being done across all of HMRI’s Research Programs. We are no longer simply a Hunter institute but an international institute based in the Hunter.”

Bob officially steps down today (March 15) and will be replaced as Board Chairman by Glenn Turner, a Newcastle-based company director and former senior executive level in the mining services, manufacturing, engineering and contracting sectors.

Glenn said HMRI had benefitted greatly from Bob’s wisdom and resoluteness during a transition from small regional institute to one with a burgeoning global reputation.

“We have to use the platform that’s been established to lift HMRI into being a genuine Tier 1 national institute with international recognition,” he said.

“Michael Nilsson’s appointment is a wonderful first step because he weds us to the world stage, and he has the experience and foresight to achieve our goals.”

Travel and tending his vines are in Bob’s immediate plans, and he is looking forward to watching HMRI continue to grow.

“I firmly believe that HMRI is well placed and with the integrity and commitment of the current Directors will continue progressing towards a truly great and respected national and international Medical Institute. It is appropriate that Glenn lead HMRI in meeting these challenges.

“The future looks tremendous.”