September 28, 2017

 

GrainCorp is simplifying its business structure through the creation of a single Grains business unit from its existing Storage & Logistics and Marketing businesses, the company announced in end August.

 

GrainCorp managing director and CEO Mark Palmquist said the company had been speaking with many grain growers and buyers to get the clearest possible understanding of their requirements in a competitive marketplace.

 

"Customer feedback has been clear: we need to make our customer experience more consistent, to reflect the steady evolution of their needs since deregulation," Palmquist commented.

 

"The modern grower is sharply focused on marketing opportunities and maximising the value of their grain, while processors are becoming more demanding about the specific functional characteristics they require. This change will mean we are better able to strategically target and create value opportunities for our customers."

 

Streamlining grains operations will deliver multiple benefits including: improvement of GrainCorp's grower customer performance and the competitiveness of the company at the farm gate; moving to a single point of contact, which will make the company easier to do business with; GrainCorp's increased competitiveness against its integrated global competitors; and the continual, open access to GrainCorp's network, including complete freedom of choice for growers, exporters and domestic buyers, who use the network.

 

Palmquist said the change was relatively simple and there would be no change or disruption to GrainCorp's preparations or roles critical for the coming harvest.

 

Graincorp's group general manager for marketing, Klaus Pamminger, has agreed to take responsibility for running the combined business unit and will be appointed group general manager for grains.

 

A new role, general manager (customer), who reports to Pamminger, has also been created. This role will have responsibility for delivering a more strategic approach and cohesive experience for Graincorp's customers.

 

As a result of these changes, group general manager (storage and logistics), Neil Johns will leave GrainCorp after an extensive career with the company spanning three decades.

 

"Neil has played a significant role in making GrainCorp the diversified company it is today through his role in the acquisitions of the Malt and Oils businesses and through making significant improvements to our Australian operations. I thank him for his major contribution and join with all our staff in wishing him every success in the future," Palmquist said.

 

- Graincorp