Ian Kennedy has been one of the most successful business leaders in the history of the Sunshine Coast, but he is as modest about his influence as a business leader, as he is about his Chancellorship of this University between 1997 and 2007. As the principal of the Kilcoy Pastoral Company he led a business which was not only worth over $240M annually with 500-plus employees, but which was the backbone of Kilcoy as a township, and remains so today. In the 1980s and 1990s Ian exercised considerable influence over the direction of the meat industry in this country as Chairman of the Australian Meat Exporters’ Federal Council, not only introducing new, natural beef brands, but also forging links with other countries to increase meat exports, especially Japan. He has been recognised as an Officer in the Order of Australia (AO) for his many achievements. He has been as innovative in developing work practices which have ensured the future of the Kilcoy operations, as he has been at the national level. As Chancellor and leader of the governing Council, he has applied his business experience directly to the scrutiny of the University’ directions; finances; staffing and culture.