In September, the impending retirement of Bob Opacic as CEO of Amgrow Group was announced and the process started to search for his successor.  Concurrent with this process was a review of opportunities to build a more significant business under the aegis of Australian Agribusiness (Holdings) Pty Ltd, an entity wholly owned by CK Life Sciences created in 2015, as the holding company for Amgrow Pty Ltd, with Leon Lam as CEO.

As a consequence of the review, CK Life Sciences are pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Barber to the position of CEO - Australian Agribusiness (Holdings) Pty Ltd, effective 1st January 2017.  At the same time, Leon Lam will become Chairman.  The intention is to continue to resource and invest in the growth of Amgrow at a group level, while ensuring that the businesses continue to deliver maximum value efficiently to their respective customers.

Paul is a well regarded and successful senior executive possessing high level experience in all facets of the agricultural industry within Australia, New Zealand and Asia.  He joined CK Life Sciences as CEO of Accensi in October 2015 and has overseen significant growth and investment in the business in a relatively short time and is well credentialed to perform a broader role within the business.

Paul has previously held several key executive roles, including Group General Manager - Elders Limited, General Manager Australia - Incitec Pivot Limited and General Manager New business - AWB Landmark.  In addition to these executive roles, Paul has also held several directorships in related Australian agricultural businesses including Hifert Australia, Australian Wool Handlers, B&W Rural and PlantTech Seeds.

Further to Paul's appointment, it is intended to conduct a search for the position of General Manager Operations - Amgrow.  The role will encompass operational and management responsibilities for Amgrow, reporting directly to Paul.

In the meantime, Bob Opacic stepped down from Amgrow on December 31st 2016.  CK Life Sciences would like to acknowledge the superb effort Bob has made to growing the Amgrow business and thanks him for his contribution and years of service and wishes him a successful, happy and healthy retirement.

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