David Lock
Odeum Farms is actively looking to acquire like businesses and also to partner in farm joint ventures. David Lock will spearhead this as chairman of the board, effective from 1 April 2019.
Recognised as an Australian Export Hero by the Export Council of Australia, and also the Agribusiness Leader of the Year by National Australia Bank, David’s extensive agricultural industry knowledge, contacts and high public profile will enable Odeum to achieve its expansion strategy.
David was the Chief Executive of the Craig Mostyn Group (owner of Linley Valley Pork) for 12 years, and for 8 years previously held the roles of COO and CFO for the company.
David was CEO and Managing Director of ASX listed agribusiness and fishing company Mareterram Limited for two years and is now Chairman. He was recently appointed to the board of CBH.
Well experienced as a chairman, he is also chairman of the Western Australian Meat Industry Authority and Australian Pork Limited He was previously Chairman of the Food Industry Association of Western Australia for four years.
David is also deputy chairman of the Water Corporation, a Trustee of the UK headquartered Marine Stewardship Council and is a member of the Curtin Business School Advisory Council.
His background is as a chartered accountant specialising in insolvency. David is also a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Odeum’s Managing Director, John Travers, said it was an exciting time of change for the organisation.
“The Board recognises that our expertise lies in fresh fruit and vegetables and has limitations because of that single focus. David’s extensive Ag experience and involvement with Government will create options for the Odeum Group that previously weren’t available.
“Current challenges are bedding in acquisitions and other new business in line with our 2020 strategic plans, and we expect David to develop more rigour around achieving the targeted performance milestones.
“David is leading our 1/3/5-year Horizon outlook planning already, and he will bring accountability on timing in meeting the Board’s targets.
“Other challenges are weather events that create both a glut of produce in individual product lines and then a shortage on separate lines. Longer term planning with David’s contribution will help us smooth out those supply issues, i.e. developing plan B and C instead of accepting these common farming challenges as a regular business.”
Mr Lock will move from his current position as non-executive board member with Odeum Produce Pty Ltd, to lead fellow members Mr John Travers, Mr Joseph Mavromatidis, Mr John Marinovich and Mr Mark Wege.