John Watson joins ‘The Wool Company’ board

25 August 2008

John Watson joins ‘The Wool Company’ board

The Chair of The Wool Company, Theresa Gattung, has today announced the appointment of rural industries leader John Watson to the company’s board of directors.

Mr Watson, based in Victoria, Australia, is a highly regarded corporate director with more than a quarter century’s experience in a range of agricultural businesses. He has been involved in the development of many commercial and government organisations, and been recognised through a number of awards, including the 2006 Rabobank Award for Leadership in Agribusiness in Australia and New Zealand.

“John Watson brings a unique combination of grass roots experience and broad industry understanding,” Ms Gattung said. “We are delighted he has accepted the offer to join us in the task of creating a new industry platform for New Zealand wool growers.”

Mr Watson said he was keen to join the board of “The Wool Company” because a new approach was needed to generate acceptable returns for growers. “I have a healthy respect and admiration for New Zealand agricultural producers, developed over many years of competition. I am looking forward to working with and for them over the coming years to assure the success of what is a highly important initiative.”

Mr Watson has served on boards in the dairy, meat, livestock, wool, wheat and aquaculture industries; in the agricultural input sector; and on a range of government and industry organisations.

He is currently chairman of Incitec Pivot Limited (Australia’s largest fertiliser business) and Tasman Farms Limited and Van Diemen’s Land Company (operators of large dairy and beef farms in Tasmania). He is a director of Tassal Group Limited, Australia’s largest salmon producer, processor and marketer; and a member of the Rabobank Food and Agriculture Advisory Board for Australia and New Zealand.

ENDS

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