ASX Announcement
Wellard Limited (Wellard, ASX:WLD) is pleased announce two senior management changes as the Company continues to enhance its livestock procurement and prepares for the opportunity that China is presenting to the Company and Australian livestock producers.
Brendan Wade appointed Livestock Network Development Manager
In the past month Wellard’s Brendan Wade has been working out of the Eastern States to develop new strategies and networks to expand the Company’s livestock procurement capabilities.
“Given the importance of cattle supply in the current trading environment to South East Asia, and to develop our business into China, Brendan and the Company have agreed to make this a permanent move and Brendan will become Livestock Network Development Manager for Wellard,” Wellard CEO Mauro Balzarini said.
The role will extend from the Kimberley in Western Australia, across the top end into Queensland and down into Victoria.
Brad Gosling appointed Chief Operating Officer
Wellard Strategy and Planning General Manager Brad Gosling, who has taken on many of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) responsibilities previously performed by Brendan, has been promoted to the COO on a permanent basis.
Brad has undertaken a number of operations and strategy roles at Wellard for the past three years and so possesses considerable and relevant experience to fulfil the COO role.
“Brad holds significant shipping experience, farming background and has been performing this role with enthusiasm and diligence, which indicates he will be an excellent COO for Wellard,” Mr Balzarini said.
“As the Company’s previous Strategy and Planning Manager, he possesses an excellent understanding of the Wellard business.
“I congratulate Brad and Brendan on their two new positions. These roles will play an important part in the continued development of the Wellard business.”
South American strategy delivering results
Wellard is planning to load approximately 52,000 cattle between today and mid-November 2016. Approximately 55% of those cattle will be loaded in Uruguay and Brazil on the M/V Ocean Shearer and M/V Ocean Swagman, while the remaining cattle will be loaded in Fremantle and Darwin on the M/V Ocean Drover and M/V Ocean Outback.
“This demonstrates the capabilities of the Wellard team and highlights the flexibility of the Company’s asset base and the benefits of our diversification strategy. Due to the loading schedules, during this period Wellard’s South American operations will be bigger than our Australian shipping activities,” Mr Balzarini said.
“The live export market remains challenging but these numbers prove demand remains strong and Wellard can capitalise on this trend.”
For further information:
Investors
Managing Director, Mauro Balzarini
Phone: + 61 8 9432 2800
Media
FTI Consulting, Cameron Morse
Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888
Mobile: +61 (0) 433 886 871