GRDC appoints former GrainCorp heavyweight and supply chain expert Nigel Hart as its managing director

Grains Research Development Corporation has appointed “high calibre leader” Nigel Hart as its new managing director eight months after Tony Williams’ shock departure from the organisation. GRDC announced the appointment on Monday, with Mr Hart’s start date of April 4 hoped to provide some leadership stability as the organisation’s third managing director in two years. Australia’s biggest grains research body launched a “comprehensive recruitment process” GRDC in May after Mr Williams quit GRDC — with little explanation given publicly —just seven months into the role. Mr Williams replaced former managing director Steve Jefferies, who retired from GRDC in November 2019 after four years. GRDC people, communication and governance general manager Cathie Warburton stepped in as managing director between both new appointments. GRDC chair John Woods, who farms at Goondiwindi, said Mr Hart was an “internationally-recognised” and “well-known agricultural sector identity” who was recruited after a comprehensive search. He said the GRDC board was confident Mr Hart’s management and strategic business skills and extensive agricultural sector networks would ensure a smooth leadership transition. “We are pleased to have Nigel joining GRDC as a high calibre leader with more than 25 years’ experience in senior executive roles with organisations such as global agribusiness corporation Archer Daniels Midland and GrainCorp,” Mr Woods said. “Strategically, GRDC is well positioned to continue to deliver effective and efficient research, development and extension and Nigel’s experience and understanding of the grains sector both within Australian and internationally will add significant value. “At GRDC, our people are our most important asset and Nigel has a successful record of building and managing highly engaged, cross-functional teams, so we look forward to his leadership skills further enhancing and developing our GRDC team.” Mr Hart, who has recently been engaged in specialist consulting roles for a number of grains industry organisations, said he was looking forward to the opportunity to join GRDC. “Within Australia and internationally GRDC is recognised for spearheading cutting-edge research, development and extension in the grains sector and I am thrilled to have an opportunity to be a part of that,” he said. “I have had a long involvement with the Australian grains sector – at many levels from on-farm experiences to working as Global Director for an international agribusiness organisation with destination markets across Asia, Europe, South America and the United States. “I hope my experience and understanding of the grains sector will add value to GRDC and together with GRDC staff we will continue to drive innovation and best practice in Australia’s grain sector.” Mr Woods said Mr Hart would play a vital role in the development of the next five-year research, development and extension plan - for 2023-28. “We are firmly focussed on executing our ambitious research, development and extension agenda and we are also working on finding new ways to be more responsive to local issues and strengthen our direct connection with growers, particularly utilising our valuable regional network,” Mr Woods said. “Nigel will add to the existing strong and experienced executive team, supported by highly respected regional panels. “The organisation is now extremely well-placed to continue to drive a bold innovation agenda which has never been more important for our grain growers.”