We are pleased to announce the appointment of David Larkin AM as the Chief Executive Officer of Hancock’s agricultural interests, including as the acting CEO of Kidman & Co, commencing on 4 September. David has an outstanding beef industry background, has held a number of leadership positions in the industry and has won numerous export awards. He was also responsible for providing recommendations on behalf of the beef industry on preferred policy positions to the Minister for Trade and Industry, during the negotiations to establish the free trade agreements with China, Japan and Korea.
David has significant experience in the beef processing industry, including building brands and distribution networks, consistent with the strategy and direction that Hancock intends to pursue. As the next stage of its development, Hancock Beef plans to build an integrated paddock to plate beef supply chain.
Mr Garry Korte, CEO HPPL said, “Hancock intends to grow all aspects of its beef business. Similar to many of Australia’s northern stations, the cattle on our northern stations have a high Brahman content, relying on the live export markets for their continued existence. We are working on building new long term sustainable markets, so that as our northern herd increases it is also possible for this smaller part of our beef business to expand. We are continuing to grow the largest component of our business, which is based on our other cattle breeds across both Hancock and Kidman properties, including our prime Wagyu. This will underpin and drive the development of our Kidman and 2GR brands.”
Mrs Rinehart added “Agriculture is Australia’s second largest export industry, and earns more than $48 billion dollars annually, (according to recently announced figures from the Federal Government), as well as being responsible for employing directly and indirectly, more than 1.6 million Aussies. So it is important that the agricultural industry continues to survive and thrive, and to do so it must be internationally cost competitive, and listen to our overseas markets needs and preferences, and be able and willing to invest in practical agritech under reasonable government regimes.”
David Larkin said “I am excited to be joining Mrs Rinehart and the teams at Hancock and Kidman. What an outstanding opportunity to work with someone who is so dedicated and enthusiastic about the cattle industry and who is committed to investing and growing the industry, and improving the stations in these significant portfolios. I look forward to working on delivering her vision for Hancock Beef and Kidman to improve and become a cutting edge, industry leading beef business in Australia.”
