The board of Murray River Organics Group has announced the resignation of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and managing Director Valentina Tripp and the appointment of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Birol Akdogan as interim CEO, both effective immediately.
The MRG board has accepted Tripp’s resignation and request to end her employment with the company, having served almost three years as CEO during the turn around and restructuring phase of MRG. Tripp will continue to be available for the next three months to assist with transition as required.
Chairman of MRG, Andrew Monk, said “The Board recognises the work Val has put towards building and developing a highly capable team of people, overseeing the restructure, recapitalisation and strategic re-positioning of the company as a leading organic FMCG business enabling MRG to accelerate the benefits from its core assets and new MRO retail brand. Val is a top 30 shareholder and we are pleased that she has indicated she will continue to invest in MRG’sfuture.”
“The company is now positioned as a diversified FMCG organic and ‘better-for-you’ food company. Having significantly reduced its risk profile through its asset realisation program and resultant smaller farming operations, MRG has maintained its strengths as an agile, vertically integrated food producer. It has continued to strengthen its diverse global supply chains to enabl it to accelerate its future growth.”
“I am immensely proud of my time with MRG and the fabulous team who I am confident will take MRG to the next level of growth. We have achieved a lot over the last three years whilst navigating some uncertain external shocks and legacy issues. I am pleased to see our farm portfolio now aligned to our core business model, the launch of our organic Ingredients business and new retail brands and products, and the growth of our Export business,” Tripp said. “The growth of organics is strong and so is MRG’s future. After three big years, I have decided to take some time out with my family and will be seeking to develop my non-executive career and other opportunities. I want to thank the Board and shareholders for their support. I appreciate their commitment to investing in the emerging organics market. The future is organic.”
Since joining the Group on 1 September 2020, Akdogan has provided strong financial leadership to the group and has demonstrated an excellent grasp of the complex requirements and operations of MRG. He will serve as interim CEO while a review is completed by the MRG Board.
MRG’s strategic positioning as Australia’s leading vertically integrated organic supplier of premium organic and ‘better for you’ products will continue to be pursued by its wellestablished expert teams.