On behalf of the GFC Board I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew Rutter as our new Chief Executive Officer.  Matt replaces Wayne Hosking who steps down on the 6th July after 16 years as CEO.

Matt has led GFC’s Marketing and Business Development department since joining the Co-operative in April 2014. During this time Matt has guided his team in achieving significant success with GFC’s China strategy having a specific focus on creating 100% direct channel marketing while still maximizing short, medium and long-term value to members.

It is of significant benefit that Matt has had four years of experience at GFC and understands the industry, the market and the Co-operative.  Importantly, he also provides continuity in terms of GFC’s capital and cost disciplines.

Matt was selected following a thorough and competitive national search process that resulted in a field of exceptional candidates. The vast interest in the position is a clear demonstration of the reputation and outstanding future opportunities our Co-operative presents.

Matt spent the first 12 years of his career working for Australia’s largest Cooperative, CBH.  He is a seasoned business executive who has run complex business units across a range of domestic and international markets and has a depth of business development and capital deployment experience, including major transactional capabilities.

Holding a Bachelor of Business with First Class Honours (Agribusiness Marketing) from Curtin University, Matt also has a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment from the Securities Institute of Australia and is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.  He is active in the not for profit sector, previously as Chairman of Volunteering Western Australia and currently as a non-executive Director and Chair of the strategy committee at United Way Western Australia Inc.

Looking forward, the board is sure Matt will provide a new perspective and continued dynamism to Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-operative.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to congratulate Matt on his new role which officially starts on the 6th July.  I look forward to working with him and assure everyone that the transition process, including a detailed handover by Wayne and the executive team, will be a comprehensive and an effective one.

Basil Lenzo,

Chairman