After close to five years as CEO and almost a decade with GrainGrowers working on behalf of growers across Australia, CEO David McKeon has announced his resignation.
David joined GrainGrowers leading policy and advocacy activities and was instrumental in driving countless changes to industry and government policy settings, to better support Australian grain farmers.
David was appointed CEO a few years later and under his leadership, has successfully positioned GrainGrowers as a modern, progressive, and innovative representative organisation. GrainGrowers is now one of the most influential and well recognised agricultural organisations on the national stage.
“I am proud to have led the organisation through a period of transformation that has seen us emerge with a clear focus on sustainability and profitability outcomes for growers. This has been underpinned by ensuring GrainGrowers is in a strong financial position to continue the work that it does.” said McKeon.
“There’s been challenges along the way. Leading the team through the uncertainties COVID-19 presented us with and ensuring we were still able to deliver an innovative and progressive agenda is an achievement I am proud of.”
“Supporting Australian grain farmers through challenges such as years of drought and geopolitical headwinds, then aiming to put in place industry activities that will grow the industry beyond the current positive seasons has been rewarding.”
Brett Hosking, GrainGrowers’ Chair has thanked David for his achievements during his time as CEO.
“David is a tireless advocate for growers and during his tenure, has worked hard to ensure the grower voice has been heard on a broad range of issues. The last two years have also seen unprecedented times with lockdowns and border restrictions because of COVID-19. David’s leadership saw the team supported and focused on delivering outcomes throughout ensuring the organisation continues to go from strength to strength.” said Brett Hosking, GrainGrowers Chair.
“During David’s time as CEO, he has championed improvement in industry structures and the consolidation of industry good activities which helped see the establishment of Grains Australia. David has also driven the development of Behind Australian Grains – the Australian Grains Sustainability Framework. David also led the design and delivery of many new cutting-edge programs that have had a significant impact on many growers across the country. These significant initiatives will benefit the industry for many years to come.”
“On behalf of the GrainGrowers board, our members, and the staff, I would like to sincerely thank David for his passion and enthusiasm for the Australian grains industry that has been evident throughout his time with the organisation.”
“David will be finishing with GrainGrowers in October and will continue to support GrainGrowers through a range of strategic projects for the remainder of the year to ensure the organisation continues to utilise his deep grains industry insights.”
"GrainGrowers has a clear focus on delivering sustainability and profitability outcomes for Australian growers and it will be business as usual leading our progressive agenda."
The GrainGrowers Board will be conducting an executive search over the coming months