Leadership for plant science industry announced for 2021-22

National peak industry organisation for Australia’s plant science sector, CropLife Australia, today announced its leadership team for 2021-22 following its Annual General Meeting. Country Head and Managing Director, ANZ, for Syngenta, Mr Paul Luxton will continue as President of the organisation.

Mr Luxton’s sixth term as President will see him joined on CropLife’s Executive by fellow industry leaders with an extensive range of expertise and vast wealth of knowledge:

• Mr Damien Ryan, Managing Director, Sipcam Pacific Australia as Vice President (Crop Protection and Stewardship)
• Mr Joerg Ellmanns, Managing Director, Bayer Crop Science as Vice President (Crop Biotechnology)
• Mr Gavin Jackson, Head of Agricultural Solutions (Australia and New Zealand), BASF Australia as Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee

In addition to the Executive, the following will serve as Directors on the CropLife Australia Board for 2021-22:

• Ms Kristina Hermanson, Managing Director ANZ and ASEAN, FMC Australasia Pty Ltd
• Mr Darrin Hines, Chief Executive Officer, ADAMA Australia
• Mr Rob Kaan, Managing Director Australia/NZ/Japan/Korea, Corteva Agriscience
• Mr Peter O’Keeffe, Commercial General Manager, Nufarm Australia Limited
• Mr Brett Ryan, Managing Director, Sumitomo Chemical Australia Pty Limited

The Executive and Board provide important strategic guidance for CropLife Australia, whose management team is led by Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Cossey.

Mr Cossey said, “CropLife is fortunate to represent the best of the plant science industry and all of our members are incredibly proud to be part of what is a vibrant and innovative agricultural sector.

“Our members have shown great commitment throughout the pandemic to ensure Australian farmers have access to the latest products and innovations of the plant science industry. The obvious passion for agriculture of CropLife members has been unwavering and they have been dedicated to maintaining and improving Australian farming’s productivity, profitability and sustainability.

“The extensive industry experience of these individuals, supported by all our member company leads, continues to be invaluable in guiding CropLife through its busy operations and significant strategic goals,” Mr Cossey concluded.