Following a comprehensive global search process, the Board of Ricegrowers Limited has announced Paul Serra will succeed Rob Gordon as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the SunRice Group.
Mr Gordon announced his intention to retire in December 2022 and will step down as CEO and Managing Director of SunRice on 23 August 2023 at the conclusion of the company’s Annual General Meeting.
Mr Serra will join SunRice in early July to allow for an orderly leadership transition before commencing his role as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director on 23 August 2023.
He joins SunRice from the role of Managing Director North America (USA and Canada), Olam Food Ingredients, New York.
Prior to joining ofi, Mr Serra held a number of senior executive roles at the Campbells Soup Company, and was previously in operational roles at Arnotts Biscuits ANZ.
Mr Serra has demonstrable experience in delivering financial outcomes in the agribusiness, food ingredients and FMCG sectors and brings to the role of CEO of SunRice an in-depth experience in supply chain, people leadership, business transformations, health and safety and operations. Mr Serra holds an honours degree in engineering from The University of Queensland.
Speaking to the appointment SunRice Chairman Laurie Arthur said Paul is an accomplished executive whose leadership skills and global experience in the growth and transformation of complex and diverse organisations will provide the right mix to continue to build on the SunRice Group’s growth strategy.
“The Board is confident that under Paul’s leadership SunRice will be well positioned to build on our core strengths and continue to create value for both classes of shareholders.
“Paul’s appointment reflects his deep commercial and operational experience, leadership capabilities and track record at both ofi and Campbell Soups. Together with the Board I am delighted to announce his appointment.”
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Serra said it is a great honour and privilege to be appointed as the CEO and Managing Director of SunRice, a leading global food group and one of Australia’s leading branded food exporters, at such an important time in the Group’s evolution as it continues its expansion both in Australia and overseas.
“I look forward to continuing to build on the underlying strength of the SunRice business and delivering a strategy to create long term value for the Group, in partnership with the SunRice’s growers, shareholders, customers, communities and its people.”
-SunRice