Senior Management
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David Connolly David Connolly was appointed Chief Executive Officer of FarmWorks on 19 February 2010. David has over 23 years experience working for ASX listed agri-business companies. His career in the agribusiness sector commenced in the early 1980's at Dalgety (which subsequently was taken over by Wesfarmers and then AWB Landmark) as a Branch Manager before specialising in the livestock and stud stock division where he worked his way to State Manager for Queensland and Northern Territory. In 2003 David was head hunted to Australian Agricultural Company (AACo), one of the largest agri-businesses in Australia. His final role with AACo was as Chief Operating Officer and in that role David was responsible for acquisitions and the activities of over 500 employees in an ever expanding business. David was also responsible for the management and marketing of over 520,000 head of cattle in four regions and over 26 cattle properties and 2 feedlots. |
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Ross Withers Ross has over 25 years accounting experience having occupied senior roles in both private and ASX listed companies including Anitech (a division of ANI Ltd), and Wesfarmers Landmark Ltd. Of particular relevance to FarmWorks' activities is his broad ranging experience in diversified wholesale and retail distribution channels, multi branch operations and manufacturing operations. Prior to joining FarmWorks, Ross had been Commercial Manager for Wesfarmers Landmark Limited in Western Australia. Here he had the financial responsibility for reporting on sales of $1.07 billion, stock of $40 million, and debtors of $85 million in a business with 32 retail stores and 45 agents. |
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Roy Morgan Roy commenced his professional career in 1993, joining SBS Rural Ltd as an agronomist based in Narrogin. He later went on to head up the company's technical services group where he gained significant practical experience in the agrochemical market through his involvement in chemical research and extension activities. In 1997 he joined agricultural chemical supplier/manufacturer Artfern Pty Ltd as Procurement Manager. In this role he was responsible for sourcing raw materials for domestic manufacture as well as implementing importation protocols and quality assurance systems. Having travelled through China, India, Europe and South America over the past 12 years, Roy brings significant experience to Conquest in the specialist area of international agro-chemical trading. |
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Fred Lyon Fred commenced his career in Zimbabwe in farm management. This was a role he was active in for five years prior to joining the sales team of UK chemical conglomerate ICI in its agricultural chemical division. He continued in this role in Australia where he was involved in marketing broad acre and horticultural chemicals. Over a ten year period he developed extensive experience in distribution channel management, stock control and budget development. Fred later went on to join ASX listed rural merchandise supplier IAMA Ltd as State Manager. Immediately prior to joining FarmWorks, Fred was with Wesfarmers Landmark Ltd in the role of supply chain manager. As General Manager of FarmWorks rural merchandising operations Fred has national responsibility for all wholesale and retail activities. |
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Preston Clarke Preston commenced with Wesfarmers Limited in 1966, spending an initial period working in the in sale yards before moving to the Stud Stock Department. In the late 1960's he moved to NSW where he worked for a private company with stud stock operations that covered various locations within the Riverina area. Here he was responsible for the management and preparation of stud rams for sale, as well as overseeing the company's artificial insemination programme. In the early 1970's Preston returned to Western Australia as the Katanning Area Manager for Wesfarmers Limited before going on to become their exclusive agent in Quairading. After a five year period as a private livestock consultant in the mid 1980's followed by a period running the family business he rejoined Wesfarmers Limited in 1997 as State Manager; Stud Stock, where he went on to become one of the leading Stud Stock auctioneers in Western Australia. |
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Craig Milverton Craig has accumulated over 33 years experience in the West Australian banking and finance industry. Commencing with the Bank of New South Wales in 1976 his career has spanned a number of senior management roles in most rural regions of the state. His extensive experience in agricultural finance is supplemented by broad commercial and retail finance experience gained in roles with BankWest as a Credit Manager and later as a Commercial Relationship Manager. Prior to joining FarmWorks, Craig was Senior Manager, Commercial and Agribusiness Finance with Wesfarmers Landmark Ltd. |
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Darren Tapscott Darren graduated from Curtin University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Commerce (Property) and brings to FarmWorks over 16 years experience in the rural property industry. He joined the State Valuer General's Office in late 1993 where he soon reached the position of Senior Valuer. Here he was responsible for complex market valuations, re-valuation programmes and policy development. Darren moved to Wesfarmers Landmark Limited in January 2003, where he held the position of Sales Manager for four years, managing a team of thirty sales representatives. He obtained his land valuers licence in 1995 and a real estate agents licence in 2005. Darren has lectured in rural valuation at Curtin University and in Singapore. He has diverse real estate agency and valuation experience from pastoral holdings through to broad acre farms and lifestyle properties. |