In Episode 136 of the No Limitations podcast In Unexpected Places, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to Robert Spurway, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of GrainCorp Ltd. 

In an insightful discussion, Robert provides an in-depth assessment of the global agriculture market, which has withstood challenges such as adverse weather conditions, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions. Robert believes that there is cause for optimism as Australia is well placed to serve large markets in Southeast Asia and China, global demand for agriculture is outpacing supply, and Australian policymakers are placing greater importance on national biosecurity. Robert also proposes several initiatives by which GrainCorp Ltd can remain a market leader in the coming decades, including deploying its internal venture capital fund, improving rail networks, utilising data analytics, and adopting precision farming techniques.

Robert started his career as a chemical engineer in the New Zealand dairy industry, before moving to Australia and holding general management roles at Goodman Fielder. A move to private equity-owned Mrs Crocket’s Kitchen resulted in his appointment to Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, a role he also held at Salad Fresh following their acquisition of Mrs Crocket’s. Thereafter, Robert joined New Zealand dairy business, Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd, where he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, Global Operations. In March 2020, Robert was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of GrainCorp Ltd.

Robert was the Chairman of Kotahi Logistics LP Ltd, Deputy Chairman of Prolesur S.A., and a Director of DFE Pharma GmbH & Co.

 

Please note: this episode was recorded on 5 June 2024.

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