Our Team
The people behind Growth Farms Australia
Our people are our greatest asset
Our team combines hands-on farming experience with deep expertise in agricultural investment, finance and operations, across cropping and livestock. That mix of paddock and portfolio is what lets us manage land as an asset and as a farming system at the same time.
Experience and passion for the agricultural sector are key drivers behind our strengths and track record in:
- Evidence based acquisitions
- Operational performance
- End to end tailored investment solutions
If you're interested in joining our team visit careers.
Meet the Team
Growth Farms is led by an experienced management team and portfolio managers on the ground, supported by a board bringing deep investment, governance and agribusiness expertise.
Martin brings extensive leadership experience across the agricultural supply chain, including livestock, meat production, dairy, grain and irrigation. Martin has a strong background in financial management, with a focus on governance, risk mitigation and investor relations, and works closely with boards and senior management to define and implement strategic direction. Martin holds a B.Ec, GAICD and CPA.
Alice is responsible for the financial management of the Growth Farms property portfolio and its growth initiatives, specialising in financial reporting, governance, compliance and risk mitigation. Alice brings broad financial, accounting and agriculture experience across dairy, livestock, potatoes, cotton, grain and meat processing, gained across Australia, New Zealand, Europe and South America. Alice holds a B.Bus (Acc) and CA.
Hamish focuses on strategy, systems improvement, business development, investor relations and financial analysis. Hamish's background spans strategic and corporate financial advisory services to agribusiness, food and beverage companies, bringing broad transaction, investor and financial expertise together with farming systems. Hamish holds a B.Com (Acc & Fin), CA, GAICD and Graduate Certificate in Agribusiness.
Sharon brings more than 20 years' experience in human resources, operations and safety management. Sharon is a strong communicator with a proven ability to engage stakeholders across the national food and bulk chemical industries, and is passionate about employee welfare, health and safety, committed to ensuring all staff and contractors return home safely each day. Sharon holds a Diploma of Business.
Jon is a former Director of Growth Farms, managing livestock properties across southern and central NSW. Jon's prior roles include AUSMEAT, the Meat Research Corporation and the Victorian Department of Agriculture, covering red meat industry standards and research. Jon combines on farm and financial management expertise with due diligence capability for potential acquisitions.
Mat manages Growth Farms properties in the Liverpool Plains, Namoi Valley and Burdekin regions, with expertise in agronomy and irrigation management across cotton and grain production. Mat previously held Senior Agronomist, Operations Manager and General Manager roles at Clyde Agriculture, with experience across all facets of cotton production including gin administration. Mat holds a B.Rur.Sc and Graduate Certificate in Cotton.
Richard manages Growth Farms properties across southern NSW, South Australia and Gippsland Victoria, with a focus on wool, prime lamb, beef and grain production, including pivot irrigation for livestock finishing and hay. Richard joined Growth Farms in 2010, progressing from farm manager at Bowna, NSW, to Portfolio Manager in 2016. Richard holds a B.Mgt (Farm).
Rod brings more than 20 years' experience across the cotton and broadacre industries spanning agronomy, farm management and commodity marketing. Rod is skilled in negotiation, business planning, risk management and customer relationship management, and is a qualified USDA cotton classer and a graduate of the Australian Rural Leadership Program (Course 26) and American Cotton Shippers International Cotton. Rod holds a B.App.Sc and MBA.
Ben's career spans livestock management, market insights and agri finance. Ben is a former MLA Market Information Manager and Rabobank agri finance specialist, delivering livestock pricing insights and financial analysis, and is a Non-Executive Director of Sheep Producers Australia, with expertise across beef, sheep and cropping systems. Ben holds a B.Rur.Sc, MAB and GAICD.
Maria brings over 30 years' experience in business, finance and governance, with leadership roles in investment management and superannuation. Maria is the former Chair and Country Head of Franklin Templeton Australia, a globally listed investment manager. Maria has extensive governance expertise, including chairing business forums and overseeing superannuation funds.
Richard has been Managing Director of a family agricultural business since the 1990s, now running significant sheep and cattle operations across NSW. Richard is a co-founder and Director of Growth Farms, managing farmland acquisitions and operations on behalf of private and institutional investors. Richard has also played a key role managing operations and acquisitions for another large farming business in Eastern Australia.
Warwick built an extensive career in fund management across Japan, Hong Kong and London between 1984 and 1998, specialising in Asian equities. Warwick founded his own investment management company in 1999, focused on the Japan and Asia markets. Warwick has more than 40 years' experience travelling and investing across Asia.
Stephen is Managing Director of Dragon Tree Capital, advising and investing across mining, data driven technologies and property development globally. Stephen has led major property and infrastructure financings. Stephen is a former Director of the Australian Institute of Management (Vic/Tas) and an active YPO leader across Pan Asia and South East Asia.
Stephen has built an extensive career spanning investment banking, funds management, agriculture and energy. Stephen's agricultural background includes the ownership and operation of large Victorian and South Australian farms producing lamb, beef, wool and crops. Stephen currently serves as Chairman of Hydrocarbon Dynamics Limited, Afton Energy and Lowell Resources Funds Management, and is founder of Mitchell Peterson Capital Partners.