Leading agribusiness banking specialist has appointed Kathryn Brown to head up its business in Tasmania.
Based in Launceston as branch manager Tasmania, Ms Brown’s remit will extend across Rabobank’s Tasmanian branch network, including Launceston, Devonport, Smithton and Hobart.
Announcing the appointment, Rabobank regional manager for southern Victoria and Tasmania Hamish McAlpin said Ms Brown brought extensive agri banking experience and strong leadership skills to the role.
"With more than two decades of agri banking experience, and senior leadership roles within the bank, Kathy is well positioned to lead the bank’s team of 15 agri banking specialists dotted around the state," Mr McAlpin said.
"Tasmania is a powerhouse of Australian agriculture, with the state’s farmers leading the way with on-farm productivity gains, water-use efficiency and diversification, so it was also important we appointed someone with a passion for agriculture and food production – which is shared by all our Tasmanian team."
Hailing from Western Australia, where she most recently managed the bank’s operations in Albany, Ms Brown has had a lifelong association with agriculture, Mr McAlpin said.
Growing up as the fifth generation on her family’s sheep and cattle property in the south- west of Western Australia, Ms Brown has also farmed in her own right, running a broadacre cropping and livestock operation near Albany.
"While I had to cross the Nullarbor and Bass Strait to be here, coming from a different state and farming background, the business of farming is the same and the people are the same, wherever you are in Australia," Ms Brown said. "I love dealing with farmers, so it is great working for a bank where agriculture is its main focus."
Travelling extensively around Tasmania since commencing her new role, Ms Brown said she was struck by the efficiency of farming operations in the state.
"The farmers I have visited really challenge themselves, and are so adaptable in their farming practices," she said, "and I have been struck by the diversity and productivity of farming businesses here."
Ms Brown, who holds a Diploma in Agriculture and Business Management, will be working closely alongside well-known local senior rural managers Gareth Horne, based in Hobart, and Shane Good, based in Launceston. ---
