THE GrainGrowers Board has engaged well-known industry executive Richard Norton as GrainGrowers Ltd new chief executive officer.

Richard Norton.

GrainGrowers chair and Western Australian grower 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, and Prime Safe Victoria.

He will resign as an independent director of GrainGrowers 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,” Mr Turton 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, saying her tenure at GrainGrowers has been “hugely successful”.

“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 will take up the GrainGrowers CEO role on November 17.

Source: GrainGrowers