Australia
May 2026

Experienced international market access executive John Southwell has been appointed Grains Australia General Manager – Trade and Market Access. 

A key function of Grains Australia, the Trade and Market Access team strategically engages with industry, government and customers to understand trade barriers, anticipate risks, and identify opportunities to improve access to current and new grain markets.

Mr Southwell will join Grains Australia from mid-June 2026.

Grains Australia CEO Richard Simonaitis said Mr Southwell would bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to this key role.

“John is a distinguished public servant who has successfully delivered important market access advances in the grains industry, notably in South Asia,” Mr Simonaitis said.

“John’s extensive expertise across diplomacy, market access, government relations, economics, regulatory strategy and commercial outcomes will be an asset to the team.”

Mr Southwell said he was looking forward to leading Grains Australia’s Trade and Market Access team.

“It is a privilege to join Grains Australia at a time when strengthening access to global markets and enabling greater diversification is more important than ever,” he said.

“Continued success will come from working closely across industry and government to open markets, remove barriers and create opportunities to deliver real outcomes for Australian growers and the communities that support them.”

Published: May 8, 2026