The Grain SA Group of Entities, the voluntary industry organisation that provides commodity strategic support and services to the grain and oilseed producers of South Africa, has announced the appointment of Dr Tobias Doyer as its new chief executive officer (CEO), effective 8 January 2024.
Recognised as an accomplished and forward-thinking leader, Dr Doyer brings with him a wealth of expertise and capability. With a proven track record of driving growth, strategy, and innovation within the agricultural, insurance and academic sectors, he is well-positioned to lead Grain SA towards a new era of success.
‘We are pleased to welcome Dr Tobias 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,’ Grain SA chairperson, Derek Mathews, said.
Dr Doyer played a big role in reshaping the Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz) into an independent business representative organisation. He strategically positioned Agbiz as a proactive contributor to national agricultural and economic discussions. He played a key role in formulating and sharing the vision and identity of the organisation, supported by its diverse stakeholders, including the media, politicians, government bodies, farmers’ organisations, and Agbiz members.
He obtained his PhD in Agricultural Economics at the University of Pretoria (UP) and is a certified director at the Institute of Directors in South Africa. He started his career as lecturer in Agricultural Economics at UP, and spent the past ten years serving amongst others, as the operations strategy delivery & regional executive for Sanlam’s Pan Africa General Insurance division, overseeing strategy delivery and serving as director on the boards of Sanlam’s Anglophone Africa businesses. Prior, he lived in Lusaka, Zambia for a few years as managing director of the University of Africa in Zambia.
His vision for the organisation centres around the positive contribution of the agricultural sector on civil society and South Africa as a whole. ‘The South African grain, rural and political environment is constantly changing, and it is imperative for us to inspire and make things happen. I am looking forward to my return to the sector and the road ahead,’ he said.
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.
