New appointments at potato peak industry body
Richard Hamley, Commercial Director-Potatoes for the MGroup, one of Australia’s largest integrated Grower/ Packer/ Marketers of brushed and washed potatoes, has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director of Potatoes South Australia.
Based in Queensland, Richard previously spent over a decade with the Costa Group, Australia's leading horticultural supplier and category manager to retail on a number of key produce lines. He held the positions of General Manager for Costa’s mushroom, tomato, grape and citrus categories during this period.
Richard’s experience includes international exposure, comprises agronomy, agricultural research and development, crop production, category management, and operations management. He is also Director and Principal Consultant of Nexus Agriculture Pty Ltd, a specialist Agribusiness Consultancy which provides strategic, technical, operational and commercial support services to agribusiness, particularly the fresh produce supply chain.
Richard has also held industry positions in South Australian Citrus Growers (CGSA) and the Australian Mushroom Industry Advisory Committee of Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL).
Independent Chair, Brian Cunningham welcomes the addition of Richard to the Board. “Richard brings a wealth of experience to the Boardroom including over 30 years in corporate horticulture and fresh produce. His knowledge of international and national agribusiness supply chains and sustainable agriculture including water management, will be invaluable“, he said.
Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Richard holds a Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences) from the University of Natal, South Africa and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Murray Hird has joined Potatoes South Australia as Projects and Partnership Manager. He has an extensive background in agribusiness and international trade, particularly in SE Asia and has previously held positions including Agribusiness Adviser to Westpac with responsibility for South Australia, Tasmania and Northern Territory and Director of Industry Development and Director of Commercial Development for the Northern Territory Government.
Robbie Davis, CEO, said “we are thrilled to engage Murray’s experience in agribusiness from both the private and public sectors. This addition is indicative of the growth of the Organisation and our strong focus on targeted R&D and Marketing projects and the critical importance we place on building sustainable relationships with industry partners.
Murray has a Post Graduate Diploma in Agriculture (University of Adelaide Roseworthy Agricultural College), a Bachelor of Education (University of South Australia) and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.