The Board of Grains Australia Limited is pleased to announce that Richard Simonaitis has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Grains Australia.
Richard brings significant industry experience to the organisation having worked in senior management roles in the grain industry and in export-focused commodity industries, most
recently leading the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC).
“Richard’s experience in market insight and analysis, innovation and education align with the core functions of Grains Australia, in addition to his significant accomplishments in the broader
grain industry” said Terry Enright, Chair of Grains Australia.
“Grains Australia’s vision is to be the leader in delivering industry good services that add value to the Australian grains industry, and we are confident Richard will make significant progress in
helping achieve this goal. The Board look forward to working closely with Richard to ensure Grains Australia’s Strategic Plan is implemented effectively, while ensuring the best outcomes
for the industry.”
Richard Simonaitis will officially take on the role of CEO from 1 November 2022.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to work closely with the Grains Australia team and Board to build on its achievements to date and improve connectivity across the value chain and
industry influence amongst key domestic and global stakeholders,” said Richard Simonaitis.
“I was attracted to this role because of the opportunity to take a collaborative approach to working closely with organisations across the Australian grains industry, in order to deliver
services that benefit the whole of the industry.”
Grains Australia Chair, Terry Enright, also thanked Grains Australia Director Andrew Young for assuming the role of interim CEO in January 2022.
“Andrew has made significant contributions to Grains Australia during his time as interim CEO, most notably building the Grains Australia Executive Team, managing the integration of Wheat
Quality Australia and the merger of Barley Australia, establishing the Grains Australia Wheat Council and developing the organisation’s Strategic Plan to 2024/25,” said Mr Enright.
“These are important milestones that Andrew has helped achieve and he has created momentum that Richard can build on to ensure Grains Australia delivers on its objectives. I
welcome Andrew back to his role as Director on the Board of Grains Australia and look forward to continuing to work closely with him.”