E-Malt.com News article: Australia: Kym Chapman has retired from business centre manager at ABB Grain, reins handed to newcomer Steve Dean

After 12 years with ABB Grain, business centre manager Kym Chapman has retired and handed the reins over to newcomer Steve Dean, to guide the Wallaroo site into the coming harvest and beyond, the company released August 28.

Steve, who last week began his appointment as ABB’s Wallaroo business centre manager, said he was looking forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead.

“I have some specific goals in mind for myself and my team and I aim to benchmark Wallaroo in key areas as the premier ABB storage and handling site,” Steve said.

“My three key aims are to ensure Wallaroo sets the standard in customer service and occupational health and safety and to make sure the site’s operations remain as cost effective as possible.

“I will also seek to support staff development and encourage staff to strive for and to reach their full potential.”

ABB Grain’s operations manager for storage and handling, Peter Weaver, said Steve joined ABB with expertise in a wide variety of agribusiness divisions, including general management, operations and logistics.

“Steve is highly qualified and experienced in business operations as well as bulk handling, shipping, packaging and warehouse distribution,” Mr Weaver said.

Steve has 15 years experience in the fertiliser industry and was the South Australian state manager for Incitec before the Incitec Pivot merger in 2003. More recently, Steve was general manager for Strathalbyn- based salt harvesting company Mulgundawa Salt.

In his spare time Steve is a keen cricketer. He played professional county cricket in the UK and, since moving to Australia 17 years ago, has played in several representative sides.

“I’m looking forward to my fiancée and myself becoming a part of the Wallaroo community,” Steve said. “I hope to once again become involved in cricket, through playing or coaching, as well as playing some golf and enjoying the Wallaroo lifestyle.”


30 August, 2006