GrainCorp has announced the appointment of Alison Watkins as the company's managing director and CEO.
GrainCorp chairman Don Taylor said, ''Following an international search that commenced in late January, we are pleased to be able to announce the appointment of Alison Watkins as the new GrainCorp CEO.''
''Alison Watkins brings considerable experience in agriculture, food processing, and retailing to GrainCorp, and a great breadth of Australian and international senior executive and nonâ€executive experience. She will take up her position from August 9,'' he said.
''Alison started her career as a chartered accountant, and then spent 10 years at international strategy firm McKinsey & Company. In 1996, she became a partner at McKinsey. She is currently CEO of private investment and funds manager Bennelong Group, where she runs a portfolio of domestic and international businesses,'' Taylor said.
Watkins has had a long association with agriculture. She was raised on a farm in Tasmania, and held several leadership roles in the food industry over the past decade. She and her husband operate a cropping and cattle property in Victoria's Western Districts.
Previously, Watkins was Managing Director, Regional Banking at ANZ, where she was responsible for regional and rural customers in Australia and New Zealand, 2000 staff and over 300 branches. She was the CEO of beverage manufacturer Berri Limited for several years, and led its successful sale to San Miguel Corporation, and the subsequent integration of the company into National Foods Limited.
Watkins said, ''It's a great privilege to take on the GrainCorp CEO role. GrainCorp is one of Australia's leading agribusinesses. I am excited to be leading a business that plays to my strengths and passions. I look forward to working with the GrainCorp board, management team, and employees across GrainCorp's Australian and international operations.''
Taylor said, ''We are delighted to have attracted someone of Alison's calibre and experience to GrainCorp. Her strategic capability, understanding of agriculture and operational credentials are a great fit for Graincorp at this important stage in the growth of the company.''
''It's very important at this time for me to thank Ian Wilton, GrainCorp's interim CEO since late January. Ian is very highly regarded by the board, management, and staff, and has done an excellent job of leading the company during a difficult period. He has also done an excellent job of keeping the process of integrating the new malt business unit on track. Ian will resume his CFO role when Alison joins the company in August,'' he said.
