24 September 2009

MEDIA RELEASE

Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) announced the appointment of Mr John Lloyd as its new chief executive officer today. Mr Lloyd has, up until recently, run a management consultancy specialising in operational and strategic advice to agricultural clients.  He has previously been the CEO/vice president of CNH Australia/NZL, general manager commercial at Incitec Pivot, and general manager marketing at Wesfarmers Dalgety. 

Mr Lloyd will take up the role on 2 November 2009. HAL chair, Dr Nigel Steele Scott, said the Board was extremely pleased Mr Lloyd had accepted the position. “John has extensive experience in agriculture with practical farmers as well as experience in business management in agriculture and marketing.  We are delighted with his appointment,” Dr Steele Scott said. Mr Lloyd is looking forward to starting in the role.  “I’m really excited about taking up the position with HAL and working in an industry that shows such exciting growth prospects over the next five to 10 years.” 

Mr Lloyd’s appointment comes just as HAL is about to embark on a strategic planning process to set the direction for the company to 2015. “The strategic planning work gives me the opportunity to get involved with all the stakeholders in the industry and work to coordinate common objectives,” Mr Lloyd said. The announcement comes after an extensive search process. “The Board was very pleased with the high calibre of applicants we had for the position,” Dr Steele Scott said. “It’s a positive reflection of the strength and attractiveness of horticulture as one of Australia’s leading agricultural industries.” 

Mr Lloyd will take up the position on 2 November from Ms Vanessa Goss who has been acting CEO since April. “The Board wishes to both thank and congratulate Vanessa for the skill and dedication she has displayed while acting in the role,” Dr Steele Scott said. Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) is a not-for-profit, industry-owned company.  It works in partnership with Australia’s horticulture industries to invest almost $90 million annually in research, development and marketing programs that provide benefit to industry and the wider community.