Paraway today announced that its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Harvey Gaynor has notified the Board of his intention to step down from his role and that Stuart Johnston, Paraway’s Head of Corporate Development, will succeed him as CEO.
Under Harvey’s leadership, Paraway has strengthened its operations through the implementation of an emissions reduction action plan, improved its safety strategy and associated investment, and built greater ties within the industry. This has been alongside his work to optimise the Paraway portfolio and improve production – which included the establishment of a dedicated cropping business unit and the divestment of two properties – freeing up capital to reinvest in the business. Harvey also led the business through the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and some extreme weather events and market cycles during the past four years.
Stuart has been with Paraway for more than 14 years, progressing from a business analyst to Head of Corporate Development, where he was responsible for shaping and executing the future of the business. Stuart has worked alongside Harvey throughout his tenure, and has led both operational and on-farm teams. He brings together a deep understanding of the agricultural industry and the drivers of on-farm performance with enhanced knowledge of the right supporting structures to ensure business success.
Harvey Gaynor, outgoing CEO said:
“After four years leading the amazing team at Paraway, I have decided that now is the right time for me to step down as CEO. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together at Paraway and the business is well-positioned to continue its trajectory as a reliable supplier of high-quality produce.
“I am very pleased Stuart has accepted the role of CEO having worked alongside him during my tenure. Given his expertise and a wealth of experience spanning more than 14-years with the business, it is great to see him appointed CEO and he will be a trusted leader of the business.”
Stuart Johnston, incoming CEO said:
“On behalf of the Paraway team, I want to deeply thank Harvey for his leadership of Paraway over the past four years and the many important initiatives he has led during his tenure. I am delighted that, after working across all facets of the Paraway business, I have the opportunity to step into the CEO role and deliver for the Board, our senior management and on-farm teams, and our shareholders. I am looking forward to building on the growth we have achieved to date, through continuing to deliver the highest quality produce to our customers.”
Paraway Chair Bruce Terry also announced today his intention to retire from the Board after 18 years and will be succeeded by Paraway Director of five years and former CEO, Jock Whittle.
Current Non-Executive Director and incoming Chair of Paraway, Jock Whittle said:
“Bruce has led the Board of Paraway since the company’s inception and we sincerely thank him for his dedication to the business over nearly two decades. We wish him the very best in his future endeavours.
“The dedication and hard work of Paraway’s more than 250 people across all 30 of our stations around Australia, ensures the business continues to go from strength to strength. I am excited to work alongside Stuart during our next phase under his leadership. The quality and diversity of Paraway’s portfolio of properties allows us to explore how we can increase our role in meeting growing consumer demand for high quality and responsibly produced animal protein.”
ENDS
About Paraway
Paraway Pastoral Company currently operates 30 agricultural enterprises across a number of diversified climatic zones and a range of country types. The company divides its operations into four regions: Northern (consisting of properties in Queensland), Central (with properties in the New England and Central West NSW), Central Cropping (mixed farming properties in Western NSW) and Southern (including Southern NSW and Victoria). Collectively the properties have the capacity to carry over 220,000 cattle and 250,000 sheep. Dryland and irrigated cropping exists in each of the regions for the production of hay, silage and grain crops for external sales and feeding livestock.
For further information, please contact:
Celia Moore
+61 432 344 069
Roger Newby
+61 401 278 906