Australia: ABB appoints new chief financial officer

Integrated Australian agribusiness, ABB Grain Ltd, has appointed Simon Atkinson as its new chief financial officer, the company announced in a press release, June 19.

ABB managing director, Michael Iwaniw, said Mr Atkinson had a wealth of experience in integrating companies and brought a “strong financial pedigree” across a range of roles, with a particular focus on agribusiness.

“Simon has held various senior positions within Incitec and Orica Ltd before assuming his most recent responsibilities,” Mr Iwaniw said.

“He was project leader of the Orica divestment of Incitec Pivot and also led Incitec Pivot’s business restructuring program in 2005/2006.

“This particularly demanding role honed his strategic planning skills, analysis of financial impacts of various strategies and Simon developed new budgeting processes and financial forecasting and reporting models.

“Simon also worked on the team involved with the merger of Incitec Fertilizers and Pivot Ltd in 2003, modelling pre and post-merger financial statements and forecasts.

“He has demonstrated his commercial acumen and we believe he will add significant value at an exciting stage of our company’s progression.

“I congratulate Simon on his appointment and wish him all the best in his very important role at ABB. He will now arrange relocation of his family to Adelaide to begin work at ABB on September 1”

Mr Atkinson is currently deputy chief financial officer of Incitec Pivot Ltd.