March 4, 2016
The Board of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) has appointed John Harvey as the corporation’s new Managing Director.
The appointment follows the retirement of Craig Burns last month.
RIRDC Chair Prof Daniela Stehlik said Mr Harvey brought “a wealth of relevant experience to the role” and would provide strong leadership through a time of change and opportunity for the corporation.
Mr Harvey began his career in agriculture as a soil conservationist and extension agronomist with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries.
He joined the Grains Research and Development Corporation in 1997 where he worked in several positions before being appointed CEO in 2011.
GRDC chairman Richard Clark wished Mr Harvey every success in his new role.
“It is a great outcome for Australian agriculture that John‘s experience and networks will continue to be influencing the rural innovation sector. We look forward to working with him in his new role in the future,” Mr Clark said.
Mr Harvey’s contract at GRDC was due to expire in February this year but it was extended last August until June 30.
He will take up his new role on May 3.
The GRDC Board has already begun an international search for Mr Harvey’s successor who will be responsible for the development and implementation of its five-year strategic Research and Development Investment Plan, due to begin on July 1, 2017.
