Beijing, China
June 7, 2013
Agria Corporation (NYSE: GRO) (the "Company" or "Agria") today announced that its majority-owned subsidiary PGG Wrightson ("PGW") appointed Mark Dewdney as Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2013. The appointment of Mr. Dewdney completes the leadership succession plan that included the recent departure of Managing Director George Gould. PGW is a leading provider of agricultural products, services and solutions to growers, farmers and processors in New Zealand, China and South America.
Mr. Dewdney joins PGW from his previous position as Chief Executive Officer of Livestock Improvement Corporation ("LIC"), one of the world's largest and most successful integrated dairy herd and farm improvement companies. LIC is a dairy farmer-owned cooperative listed on the New Zealand stock exchange with 2012 revenue of NZ$177 million, 680 employees, and over 11,000 farmer shareholders. Upon assuming the leadership role at LIC in 2006, LIC implemented a new strategic plan that focused the cooperative on innovation from investment in research and technology, and providing integrated solutions for customers in New Zealand and internationally. Over the past seven years under Mr. Dewdney's leadership, LIC has successfully launched a number of new technologies that have enhanced the businesses of their farmer customers.
PGW Chairman Sir John Anderson stated, "Mark brings impressive qualifications for leading an agricultural business such as PGW, and we are pleased to have him join the Company. In addition to his record of success at LIC, he spent years in leadership positions at global dairy giant Fonterra Group. His experience is hands-on as well, through his ownership of dairy farms in both New Zealand and Australia."
Agria Executive Chairman of the Board Mr. Alan Lai commented, "We are pleased that PGW has completed its leadership transition with the hiring of a high quality individual such as Mark. PGW is well positioned for growth in the years ahead, with strong leadership, attractive product and service offerings, and global distribution reach."
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