The Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) has appointed Courtney Draper as executive general manager to lead the organisation.

Ms Draper is a highly qualified executive with several years of experience working in food and agricultural trade and business development, including in-market experience in Asia. She brings an innate sense of how to turn opportunity into actions where AEGIC can work collaboratively with industry.

Before joining AEGIC in 2022 as market insights manager, Ms Draper held senior roles with the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in agribusiness and trade development.

Ms Draper has extensive commercial experience, having begun her career as a resources lawyer, which saw her work in Tokyo. She has qualifications in international relations from the University of Western Australia.

AEGIC chair Ron Storey said the AEGIC board was delighted to appoint Ms Draper to lead the organisation.

“We look forward to working with Courtney and the wider AEGIC team to deliver on our purpose of increasing value in the Australian grains industry,” Mr Storey said.

Industry understanding

“She brings to the role a deep understanding of the Australian grains industry and the right combination of skills in project delivery, leadership and technical knowledge.”

In April 2023, AEGIC announced a closer alliance with Grains Australia. The new structure will allow both organisations to work closely together to deliver better outcomes for Australian grains growers and the grains industry through a connected set of industry good services.

Ms Draper said she was humbled and thrilled by the opportunity.

“As executive general manager, I’m looking forward to being able to continue to work with inspiring colleagues to address the key challenges and opportunities facing the Australian grains industry,” she said.

“I come from a multi-generational farming family, spending my childhood in the WA wheatbelt. I’m incredibly passionate about the future success of the Australian grains industry.”

Mr Storey said the AEGIC board of directors thanked Dr Ken Quail for leading AEGIC over the past eight months.

“Ken did an excellent job as interim chief executive with his steadying and strategic approach. He will continue his role as general manager (research and technical services),” Mr Storey said.