The Marquis Group has welcomed Ben Adams as CEO of Marquis Macadamias Australia, following the retirement of former CEO Larry McHugh.
Adams brings more than 20 years of senior management experience in agriculture to the role, and was previously the general manager of an Australian macadamia processing company and director of its associated marketing organisation prior to joining Marquis.
Adams has worked in key management roles both domestically and internationally, including heading up a hybrid seed business with major operations in the United States and Mexico.
Marquis Macadamias Australia chair and board member, Clayton Mattiazzi, said Adams would bring a fresh perspective to the opportunities and challenges the group expected to face in the coming seasons.
“Ben has the full support of the board to drive the long-term development strategy for Marquis Macadamias to create the most efficient processing operation to maximise the benefits to our growers, shareholders, partners, and staff.
“Based on the strong foundations established over many years by former CEO Larry McHugh, Ben will look to drive productivity and innovation in these challenging times for the macadamia industry. Our focus is on providing the greatest returns possible to our grower and shareholders both year on year and economically and sustainably for many seasons to come,” Mattiazzi said.
Adams says he has started meeting with staff with visits to both Lismore and Bundaberg sites and will soon speak with suppliers.
“I am keen to meet with shareholders and suppliers to ensure we are listening to their concerns and supporting them through these challenging times.
“The Marquis Macadamia group is working to develop new strategies, markets, and end uses for macadamia products. As a result, we have absolute confidence in our full range of expanding products, and I look forward to creating the maximum value for our shareholders and suppliers,” said Adams.
Marquis Macadamias was formed in 2020, there was a consolidation of grower-owned macadamia businesses in Australia, which joined South Africa's Global Macadamias to become the world'slargest macadamia processor and marketer.
