Mr Skillern will take over the reins from incumbent Jan Davis, who will step down in April.

Mr Skillern has been the TFGA’s policy and advocacy manager for the past two years and has a background in banking and senior managerial roles. He specialises in finance and corporate governance.

“Peter Skillern is the person for the times. Agriculture in Tasmania is entering an exciting phase of development, triggered by the irrigation roll-out and the closer economic relations we have with China. The landscape is changing,” TFGA president  Wayne Johnston said.

Mr Skillern's previous executive posts include stints with both Environment Tasmania and the Liberal Party.