The GrainGrowers Board has engaged well-known industry executive Richard Norton as the new CEO of GrainGrowers Ltd.
GrainGrowers Chair Rhys Turton said the Board was very pleased to have an executive of Mr Norton’s calibre and extensive experience joining GrainGrowers.
“Richard has a proven track record of success in Australian agriculture and outstanding leadership capabilities demonstrated through his roles in the public and private sectors,” Mr Turton said.
“This includes roles as the Managing Director of Landmark Operations, Managing Director of Meat & Livestock Australia and General Manager of Elders Farm Supplies Network.”
Mr Norton has also held a number of Directorships, including as Director of Agrium Asia Pacific, Australasian Global Exports, Prime Safe Victoria and currently as an Independent Director of GrainGrowers Ltd.
He will resign as a director of GrainGrowers Ltd, prior to commencing the role as CEO.
Mr Turton said being a current director of GrainGrowers would allow Mr Norton to hit the ground running.
“With State Farming Organisations now able to become members of GrainGrowers, we are looking to assert and gain greater influence with policy makers and bringing Richard into the role will allow us to move ahead with this transition seamlessly,” he said.
“With the many serious challenges facing grain growers it is vitally important to have strong and experienced leadership of our grain peak bodies.
“Richard provides this and will be able to strengthen our advocacy efforts on behalf of growers and the grains industry.
“The Board is looking forward to working with Richard to refine our strategy and provide a more robust advocacy and policy landscape for Australian Grain Growers.
“We see this as an opportunity to really re-set our priorities as a business and focus efforts to ensure tangible outcomes for Grain Growers nationally.”
Mr Turton also acknowledged outgoing CEO Shona Gawel’s hugely successful tenure at the helm of GrainGrowers.
“I would also like to again thank Shona for an extraordinary term with our organisation,” he said.
“Shona has recorded many outstanding achievements during her time at GrainGrowers and has assembled an exceptional team, while delivering great benefits for our industry and business.”
Mr Norton starts with GrainGrowers as the new CEO on 17 November.
ENDS