JOHN Harvey has been appointed the new managing director of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) commencing from 1 March 2011.
In announcing the appointment, GRDC chairman Keith Perrett said Mr Harvey’s experience in agricultural science and strong leadership skills would further strengthen the GRDC’s push to drive innovation for a profitable and environmentally sustainable grains industry.
“John’s selection was the result of an international recruitment process which attracted a strong field of candidates,” Mr Perrett said.
“John has over 25 years experience in rural RD&E and an extensive knowledge of the Australian grains industry having worked as a key member of the GRDC team since November 1997.
“He’s served the corporation well — continually demonstrating his capacity as a strategic thinker, the fortitude to manage change and an ability to thrive in complex operating environments.
“John’s specialist skills and diverse primary industries background will further strengthen national collaboration in grains RD&E and make Australian grain growers more profitable, sustainable and internationally competitive,” Mr Perrett said.
“The Board is looking forward to working with John in his capacity as managing director and in developing the Corporation’s strategic plan for 2012-17.”
John is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a director of Australian Crop Accreditation System Limited.
He is on the management boards of Pulse Breeding Australia and Barley Breeding Australia and a member of the Australian Winter Cereals Pre-breeders Alliance.
He has also served as a Director of the Value Added Wheat CRC (VAWCRC) and as a member of the Board of GrainGene and the CRC for Plant Based Management of Dryland Salinity.
John worked for 12 years with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries working as a soil conservationist and extension agronomist in Warwick, Goondiwindi, Emerald and Kingaroy.
He managed Field Crops in Kingaroy where he was responsible for pulse breeding, stored grains, sustainable cropping systems and extension services.
He joined GRDC as Program Manager Farming Systems and became Manager R&D Programs in 2001 before being appointed Executive Manager for Varieties in 2005.
“On behalf the GRDC Board, Panels and staff I thank Mr Peter Reading for his seven years service to GRDC. His leadership has transformed GRDC into a world class organisation with a clear strategy and vision. The Board thanks him for his dedication, outstanding leadership and service to the grains industry and wishes him every success for the future,” Mr Perrett said.
Mr Reading will continue as GRDC Managing Director until Mr Harvey commences on 1 March 2011.
The GRDC is a statutory authority established to plan and invest in R&D for the Australian grains industry. Its primary objective is to support effective competition by Australian grain growers in global grain markets, through enhanced profitability and sustainability.