CORPORATE farmer and livestock producer Paraway Pastoral Co has announced senior management changes, with the company’s chief executive officer Harvey Gaynor notifying the board of his intention to step down after four years in the role.

Taking up the CEO position will be Paraway’s current head of corporate development Stuart Johnston.

Paraway chairman Bruce Terry has also announced his intention to retire from the board after 18 years. He will be succeeded by company director of five years and former chief executive Jock Whittle.

Macquarie-owned Paraway Pastoral Co operates 30 agricultural enterprises across a number of diversified climatic zones and a range of country types.

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.

A company statement issued today said under Mr Gaynor’s leadership, Paraway had 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,” the statement said.

Mr Johnston has been with Paraway for 14 years, starting as a business analyst before progressing to  head of corporate development, where he was responsible for shaping and executing the future of the business.

He worked alongside Mr Gaynor throughout his tenure, and has led both operational and on-farm teams, the statement said.

“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.”

Mr Gaynor said he was proud of what has been accomplished at Paraway and the business was well-positioned to continue its trajectory as a reliable supplier of high-quality product.

Mr Johnston said after working across all facets of the Paraway business, he was delighted to have the opportunity to step into the CEO role and deliver for the board, senior management and on-farm teams, and 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,” he said.

“On behalf of the Paraway team, I want to deeply thank Harvey for his leadership over the past four years and the many important initiatives he has led during his tenure.”

Incoming Paraway board chairman Jock Whittle said retiring chairman Bruce Terry had led the board since the company’s inception, and the company thanked him for his dedication to the business over nearly two decades.

“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,” Mr Whittle said.

“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.”

Source: Paraway