Press release
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, today announced the appointment of Dr Tobias Doyer as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 08 January 2024.
Recognised as an accomplished and forward-thinking leader, Doyer brings a wealth of expertise and capability to the Grain SA Group of Companies. With a proven track record of driving growth, strategy, and innovation within the agricultural, insurance and academic sectors, Doyer 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.
Tobias 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. Tobias played a key role in formulating and sharing the vision and identity of the organisation, supported by its diverse stakeholders, including media, politicians, government bodies, farmers’ organisations, and Agbiz members.
Tobias 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 lecturer in Agricultural Economics at the University of Pretoria, and spent the past 10 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.
Tobias’s 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,” Tobias said.
With this clear direction, the Grain SA Group of Entities are ready to tackle the challenges of the ever-evolving agricultural landscape and capitalise on sustainable emerging opportunities.
