Warakirri Agriculture Announces Several New Appointments
04 April 2023
NEWS RELEASE:
April 2023
Asset Manager, Diversified Agriculture
We’re pleased to advise of the appointment of Lachlan Higgins to the newly created role of Asset Manager, Diversified Agriculture who commenced with Warakirri on 27 March 2023.
Reporting to Steven Jarrott, Portfolio Manager, Diversified Agriculture, Lachlan will work closely with Steve to originate and negotiate asset acquisitions and lease transactions, manage existing and onboard new tenant arrangements and ongoing Tenant Partner relationship management across the Warakirri Diversified Agriculture Fund and Warakirri Farmland Fund.
Lachlan is a Certified Property Valuer with experience in the analysis and valuation of a variety of property types with specific expertise in agribusiness and alternative assets. He has been involved in valuation and due diligence assignments across multiple sectors and for a range of client types including Institutional, Corporate, Government and Private enterprise.
“We’re delighted to have Lachlan join the team as investor interest continues to grow across our diversified agriculture strategies and as we continue to build out our portfolios. We have a positive long-term view on Australian agriculture and continue to assess a range of opportunities to expand and diversify our sector exposure with further high-quality investments and Tenant partners”, said Mr. Jarrott.
New Leadership Structure
We’d also like to provide an update on a new leadership structure for Warakirri’s agriculture entities.
In line with the broader growth across Warakirri’s agriculture client portfolios, we’re pleased to announce the appointment of Adrian Goonan to the newly created role of Investment Director – Agriculture. In this role Adrian will be responsible for overseeing our Diversified Agriculture and Cropping business as well as leading the development of new investment strategies and opportunities.
We’re also pleased to advise the appointment of Dale O’Neill effective 20 March 2023 as the new CEO of Warakirri Cropping. Reporting to Adrian, Dale brings more than 20 years of leadership and management experience in various senior agribusiness roles, having recently led Daybreak Cropping – a $700m broadacre cropping enterprise of more than 100,000 hectares across 9 aggregations across Australia.
Both Adrian and Dale will continue to play an active role as part of Warakirri’s Property Transaction Committee which has oversight of the agriculture investment process and evaluation of opportunities.
Commenting on these appointments, Jim McKay, Warakirri Managing Director said: “As one of Australia’s largest and most experienced Agricultural investment managers, these appointments will play a vital part as we continue to build Warakirri’s business and achieve our growth objectives.”
“I’d like to welcome Lachlan to Warakirri and acknowledge Adrian’s significant contribution as CEO of Warakirri Cropping over the past 12 years where he leaves a strong legacy and team.”
“I also congratulate Dale on his appointment, who brings significant leadership and cropping experience. These appointments represent our commitment and focus on continuing to deliver superior outcomes for our clients,” he added.
More information on Warakirri’s agricultural capabilities can be found at warakirri.com.au/agriculture.
