Australia: ABB pursues growth opportunities through specialist team

Leading Australian agribusiness ABB Grain will fast track organic growth opportunities through the establishment of a new merchandising business division to be led by two new senior managers, the company released September 14.

Former Elders executives, Steven Read and Trevor Thiele, will join ABB Grain to lead and build this specialist team in their new roles as general manager merchandising and financial manager merchandising respectively.

ABB managing director Michael Iwaniw said that ABB is one of Australia's largest agribusinesses with a vision that involves continuing to develop an integrated business model, which currently spans storage, processing, logistics, marketing and trading services.

“The establishment of this new division fits into this growth strategy,” he said.

“Steven and Trevor will be working with ABB’s existing customer and client base to pursue these organic growth opportunities. Both have extensive experience in the agribusiness sector and will be valuable additions to ABB’s management team.

“There’s a significant opportunity for ABB to further develop and expand our existing products and offerings, such as financial services and fertiliser, as well as expand our existing commodity suite by diversifying into new products both domestically and internationally. Steven and Trevor will be responsible for coordinating ABB’s efforts in order to capitalise on this market potential.”

Mr Read said ABB is well positioned to take advantage of new opportunities because of its strong market position.

“The whole sector is going through a lot of change and it’s an exciting time to be in the industry. Trevor and I believe that ABB is well positioned in the industry and therefore we’re naturally excited about joining the company.”

16 September, 2006