JIMMY Wilson has been named as the new CEO of Western Australian bulk handler and major trading organisation, the CBH Group.

CBH CEO-elect Jimmy Wilson (left) with CBH chairman Wally Newman.

Mr Wilson was previously employed as the head of BHP’s Iron Ore division, where he managed one of the world’s largest resource assets which comprised mines, rail and ports.

CBH Group Chairman, Wally Newman, said Mr Wilson had the core strengths in developing, operating and innovating international supply chains CBH had been looking for in its new CEO.

“The Board was seeking a candidate that would drive and shape the next phase of development for our growers’ supply chain, ensuring the organisation is fit to match the fiercely competitive environment of international grain trading, and foster the culture required to support this,” Mr Newman said.

“With the co-operative’s current major focus on delivering our $750 million Network Strategy, Jimmy’s proven strengths in extracting efficiencies from integrated operations, driving excellence in capital management, and using innovation and technology to escalate changes in productivity, make him a natural fit for the organisation.”

Mr Newman said the Board believed Mr Wilson’s professional track record, down-to-earth nature, and straightforward and hands-on approach would resonate strongly with its grower members.

“Driving value for growers is at the centre of everything CBH does, and over the past decade, grower loyalty and satisfaction levels have reached record highs, while the business has achieved solid balance-sheet and revenue growth,” he said.

“It was important to the Board that the new CEO had the skills and experience to build on these achievements and also had a strong desire to work with the members in achieving what they need from their grain supply chain.”

Mr Wilson said the opportunity with CBH presented an exciting challenge for him.

“I have worked across many different countries, commodities and markets over my career, and the shift into grain, while outside the traditional mining and resources sector, has many operational and trading synergies with the industries I have enjoyed working in,” he said.

Mr Wilson will commence with CBH on 14 August as CEO-elect, and will formally take over the CEO position on 1 October.

Over the next two weeks, he will attend meetings in Western Australia’s growing regions to connect with CBH members.

Outgoing CEO Andrew Crane has been in the role since 2009, and will remain with CBH during a transition phase which will end on 30 November.