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Renowned agricultural economist, Dr Tobias Doyer, will be taking over the reins as Grain SA’s new chief executive officer with effect from 8 January 2024.
“We are pleased to welcome Dr Doyer as our new CEO. His exceptional leadership skills, strategic acumen, and in-depth industry knowledge position him as the ideal choice to lead the Grain SA group of entities. We have full confidence in his ability to guide the company towards even greater accomplishments in the future,” said Derek Mathews, Grain SA chairperson, in a press release.
Proven industry experience
Dr Doyer played a big role in reshaping Agbiz (formerly known as the Agricultural Business Chamber or ABC) into an independent business representative organisation. He strategically positioned Agbiz as a proactive contributor to national agricultural and economic discussions.
He was also a former recipient of the Agricultural Writers SA North’s Gauteng Agriculturalist of the Year award.
Read more about the 2023 Grain SA Farmer of the Year here.
Dr Doyer obtained his PhD in Agricultural Economics at the University of Pretoria and is a certified director at the Institute of Directors in South Africa. He started his career as a lecturer in agricultural economics at the University of Pretoria, and spent the past ten years serving, among others, as the operations, strategy delivery and regional executive for Sanlam’s Pan Africa General Insurance division. There he oversaw strategy delivery and served as a director on the boards of Sanlam’s Anglophone Africa businesses. Prior to that, he lived in Lusaka, Zambia for a few years as managing director of the University of Africa.
Making things happen
Dr Doyer’s vision for Grain SA centers around the positive contribution the agricultural sector can have on civil society and South Africa as a whole. “The South African grain, rural and political environment is constantly changing, and it is imperative that we inspire industry and make things happen. I am looking forward to my return to the sector and the road ahead,” Dr Doyer said.
Matthews added that with this clear direction, the Grain SA group of entities is ready to tackle the challenges of the ever-evolving agricultural landscape and capitalise on sustainable emerging opportunities. – Susan Marais, Plaas Media
