The Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) has named Courtney Draper as its new Executive General Manager.
Draper has worked in food and agricultural trade and business development for several years, including in-market expertise in Asia. According to AEGIC, she has an intuitive understanding of how to transform opportunities into actions where the organisation can collaborate with the industry.
Draper worked in agriculture and trade development for the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) before joining AEGIC in 2022 as Market Insights Manager.
”We look forward to working with Courtney and the wider AEGIC team to deliver?on?our?purpose of increasing value in the Australian grains industry. She brings to the role a deep understanding of the Australian grains industry and the right combination of skills in project delivery, leadership and technical knowledge,” AEGIC Chair Ron Storey said.
“In addition, she has established strong working relationships with our key stakeholders and partners; DPIRD, the Grains Research and Development Corporation and Grains Australia,” Storey stated.
AEGIC established a closer partnership with Grains Australia in April 2023. Through an integrated set of good industry services, the new structure will enable both organisations to work closely together to create better outcomes for Australian grains growers and the Australian grains sector.
“As Executive General Manager, I’m looking forward to being able to continue to work with inspiring colleagues to address the key challenges and opportunities facing the Australian grains industry,” Draper said.
“I come from a multi-generational farming family, spending my childhood in the WA wheatbelt. I’m incredibly passionate about the future success of the Australian grains industry,” she stated.
According to Storey, the AEGIC Board of Directors commended Dr Ken Quail for his leadership of AEGIC during the previous eight months.
“Ken did an excellent job as Interim CEO with his steadying and strategic approach. Ken will continue his role as General Manager – Research and Technical Services (Sydney),” Storey said.
Draper’s appointment comes after an AEGIC Board-led search that included a large number of internal and external applicants. She will take over as Executive General Manager on 24 July 2023.
