GRAINCORP has appointed Robert Spurway to take up the role of managing director and chief executive officer after completion of the planned demerger of the company’s malt business early next year.

GrainCorp chief executive officer Robert Spurway

Mr Spurway is currently chief operating officer, global operations at Fonterra Co-operative, a New Zealand multinational dairy operation and New Zealand’s largest company, and will be relocating from Christchurch to Sydney.

Mr Spurway has more than 25 years’ experience in the food and dairy industries at companies including Fonterra, Goodman Fielder Australia, Salad Fresh and Mrs Crocket’s Kitchen.

“Robert has led complex operational businesses and overseen transformational change programs which have delivered significant benefits for customers and shareholders,” GrainCorp chairman Graham Bradley said.

“He has a deep understanding of the Australian and New Zealand agricultural industries, which will serve us well as we continue to evolve GrainCorp’s strategy and customer offering.”

Director appointments

GrainCorp has appointed two non-executive directors, Jane McAloon and Kathy Grigg.

“They each bring diverse perspectives and different skill-sets, which are valuable to the company as we refresh our director cohort in anticipation of the planned demerger of our Malt business in early 2020,” Mr Bradley said.

Ms McAloon has leadership experience in the natural resources, energy, infrastructure and utility industries and has worked for AGL and BHP Billiton.

She is a non-executive director of Viva Energy, Energy Australia and Home Consortium.

Ms Grigg’s background lies in finance and operational management with organisations including the Australian Wool Research and Promotion Corporation.

She is a director of Suncorp Portfolio Services and Navy Health, is deputy chancellor of Deakin University, and chair of the Audit and Risk Committee of the Department of Treasury and Finance Victoria.

Source: GrainCorp

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