Our Team

David comes to us from Agrex Australia where, as the Executive General Manager – Grain, he has spent the last 18 months responsible for growing Olam’s grain business is Australia. Not long after completing his Bachelor of Agricultural Science, David joined the Victorian Farmers Federation as a Research Policy officer.  He spent 2 years in this role and then joined the Australian Wheat Board (AWB), where he spent around 20 years in various roles. Starting as a Grain Merchant, spending some time as managing the export wheat pool business and finishing his time in AWB Geneva SA as the Managing Director.  David broke up his time with AWB by having a stint with Ridley Agriproducts as the National Procurement Manager for about 2 years, as well as a 12 month stint as the GM – Client Services for Landmark Operations.

Josh has nearly 20 years’ experience in finance, treasury and risk management with leading Australian and multinational listed corporations, including nearly 10 years in agribusiness.

Josh has been CFO at Emerald since early 2016, and led the treasury and risk management functions since Sumitomo Corporation took control of the company in early 2014.  Prior to his appointment at Emerald, Josh led these functions for ABB Grain and Viterra / Glencore’s Australian operations for 7 years.

Josh’s early career experience was in various banking roles, including senior front office trading and dealing roles, which included managing the Australian balance sheet of a major US bank, Bank One, prior to it’s acquisition by JP Morgan.

Josh is a Chartered Accountant, with a Bachelor of Law and Masters of Applied Finance.

Travis began working with Emerald Grain in late 2013 to manage the operations of Emerald’s grain terminal at the Melbourne Port. Travis was appointed to General Manager Operations in August 2015.

Prior to Emerald, Travis worked as a Site Manager with Wilmar Sugar (formerly CSR Sugar) at one of their eight sugar mills in North Queensland. First at Proserpine Mill and then at Plane Creek Mill (south of Mackay). Travis has also held roles with Australian Paper and Amcor in Operations Management roles across Melbourne.

Throughout his work in the sugar and grain industry, Travis has enjoyed working with growers and grower groups. Travis brings a great deal of skill and dedication to the business.

 

Samantha has over 20 years’ experience as a Human Resources Professional. Samantha has led People & Culture teams focusing on strategy, performance, training, organisational development, talent management, culture and change management. Samantha during her experiences has led major organisational transformations and culture change programs via many mergers and acquisitions.

Samantha brings business acumen and a commercial mindset to her work, while having a deep appreciation for how people and culture impact results, bringing a practical, balanced approach and knowledge to change efforts. Samantha has worked in various industries for companies such as, Australian Paper, Nissan, Orica and Grenda in leading and senior HR roles.

Samantha has completed a MBA via Monash University, Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resources and Industrial Relations via Melbourne University and a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Management/Economics from Queensland University of Technology. Giving Samantha a broader than Human Resources focus and a pragmatic approach to situations.

Brant joined Emerald in 2008 as a Graduate Grain Merchant before transitioning into trading roles within the canola and wheat books. As Trading Manager he is responsible for the formulation of strategy and efficient execution across origination, sale and hedging activities of Emerald’s domestic, bulk and container export commodity positions.

Brant grew up in Kerang in northern Victoria, moving to Melbourne for his University studies in 2004.

Lee joined Emerald Grain in June 2013. Lee’s role as Commercial Manager involves the management of the Logistics, Export Shipping Documentation and International Marketing departments.

Prior to this Lee was involved in the shipping and malting industry leading a team with responsibilities including the management of a national logistics program and the export of bulk container shipments into Asia.

Clare joined Emerald Grain in May 2021 after spending 13 years working for a large global agricultural business as their Australian General Counsel and Compliance Officer. Prior to that, Clare spent 5 years working as a trade and transport lawyer for a prominent global shipping legal practice.  Clare has also worked in legal/compliance roles in both North America and Europe. Clare holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws degree and was admitted to practice as a Solicitor and Barrister of the Supreme Court of Victoria in 2013. Clare is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Travis began working with Emerald Grain in late 2013 to manage the operations of Emerald’s grain terminal at the Melbourne Port. Travis was appointed to General Manager Operations in August 2015.

Prior to Emerald, Travis worked as a Site Manager with Wilmar Sugar (formerly CSR Sugar) at one of their eight sugar mills in North Queensland. First at Proserpine Mill and then at Plane Creek Mill (south of Mackay). Travis has also held roles with Australian Paper and Amcor in Operations Management roles across Melbourne.

Throughout his work in the sugar and grain industry, Travis has enjoyed working with growers and grower groups. Travis brings a great deal of skill and dedication to the business.

 

Aaron spent 8 years in the container transport industry in various logistics roles before joining Australian Bulk Alliance (now Emerald Grain) at the Melbourne Port Terminal in late 2010 as the Logistics Supervisor.

He was responsible for the receival and export planning of grain into bulk vessels, containers and country site outturns post-harvest.

In 2014, Aaron was promoted into the Assistant Terminal Manager and was responsible for the Operations team in executing the Terminals operations.

Aaron is now the Terminal Manager role and is responsible for all operations including Logistics, Operations, Safety, Quality and Customer Service.

Throughout his time at Emerald Grain, Aaron has seen constant changes and has enjoyed working through various challenges with the Terminal team and other Emerald staff within the Company to ensure a high standard of service is provided to its customers.

Bill began with Emerald in 2013 taking on the role of Maintenance Supervisor. During this time he has spent many hours  at Melbourne Port Terminal and country sites to understand the condition and history of the business assets.
Bill’s working life started as apprentice electrician with the Port of Melbourne Authority.  Once completing his post trade qualifications he worked his way through different roles including Engineering Services Manager for East Swanson / Webb Dock for the Port of Melbourne Authority. Bill has applied his knowledge to operations across the globe including stints in Saudi Arabia, Philippines, North America, South America and Africa.
During his time at Emerald, Bill has introduced a Computerised Maintenance Management Package to record all business assets and set up preventative maintenance programs.
Due to Bill’s excellent management Emerald Grain has reduced reliability downtime on assets at throughout the supply chain operations.

Dick was born and raised on a wheat and sheep farm in the Mullewa area, he left the area in 1991 and since then has had various roles in the agricultural industry. Dick has worked closely with many clients and his previous roles in Agchem and fertiliser hold him in good stead for his current role. Dick joined Emerald Grain in 2009 as a Grain Merchant and in 2013 accepted the position of General Manager WA

Brant joined Emerald in 2008 as a Graduate Grain Merchant before transitioning into trading roles within the canola and wheat books. As Trading Manager he is responsible for the formulation of strategy and efficient execution across origination, sale and hedging activities of Emerald’s domestic, bulk and container export commodity positions.

Brant grew up in Kerang in northern Victoria, moving to Melbourne for his University studies in 2004.

Mick joined the Emerald Grain in 2010. His key responsibilities include facilitating pricing and execution for hedging marketing strategies across Emerald’s wheat book.

Prior to Emerald, Mick spent four years working for ann agribusiness research firm specialising in investment analysis.
Mick grew up on an irrigated dairy farm in Goulburn Valley before moving to Melbourne for study.

Richard joined Emerald as a Commodity Analyst in 2011. His key responsibilities include facilitating pricing and execution for hedging and marketing strategies across Emerald’s barley book.

Prior to Emerald, Richard worked for Westpac in the Agribusiness Risk Management division for four years.

Richard grew up on a mixed livestock and cropping property near Wakool in South Western NSW, he moved to Melbourne to pursue his studies at the University of Melbourne.

Malcolm joined Emerald as General Manager, Merchandising in 2005. He currently manages the sales and marketing functions including key consumer relationships.

Malcolm has more than 35 years’ experience at listed Australian and International agribusiness corporations, including global exposure to commodity trading, finance, accumulation and marketing activities.

Malcolm’s executive career has included senior management and trading roles with Riverina Stockfeeds, Cargill, AWB Ltd, Grainco and Elders. Malcolm has previously held Non-Executive Chairman and Director roles in agribusiness and logistics companies, including Plantech, Seedmark, Pulse Australia, ABA and Bulk Terminals Australia. He is currently Vice President and Director of the AGEA (Australian Grain Exporters Association) and a director of PBG (Philp Brodie Grains).

Lee joined Emerald Grain in June 2013. Lee’s role as Commercial Manager involves the management of the Logistics, Export Shipping Documentation and International Marketing departments.

Prior to this Lee was involved in the shipping and malting industry leading a team with responsibilities including the management of a national logistics program and the export of bulk container shipments into Asia.