East Australian grain storage and transport firm GrainCorp has named New Zealand dairy executive Robert Spurway as its next managing director.
Spurway will take on the managing director and CEO role early in 2020, replacing Mark Palmquist, who is to become the CEO of the malt business GrainCorp is currently in the process of spinning off.
Spurway is currently the chief operating officer, global operations for New Zealand multinational dairy co-operative Fonterra.
He will relocate from Christchurch to Sydney for the new gig.
“Robert is a proven leader who brings extensive experience in the food and dairy industries, both through operational and executive leadership roles,” chairman Graham Bradley said.
“Robert has led complex operational businesses and overseen transformational change programmes which have delivered significant benefits for customers and shareholders. 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.”
Spurway said he was delighted to be joining the grain firm.
“I’m looking forward to playing a key role in GrainCorp’s journey as it continues to strengthen its supply chains and deliver for its extensive network of growers and other customers.”
The contract between GrainCorp and Spurway can be aborted by either side should the proposed demerger of GrainCorp’s malt business not go ahead.
GrainCorp said the proposed demerger will be implemented via a scheme of arrangement, full details of which will be dispatched to shareholders in February 2020.
The demerger is targeted for March 2020. If it goes ahead at that time, Palmquist will go with it and Spurway will take the helm. If the demerger has not occurred by June 30, 2020, either side can terminate the conditional deal to make him CEO.