• Murray River Organics Group CEO and MD Valentina Tripp has resigned. She joined the company in April 2018.
    Murray River Organics Group CEO and MD Valentina Tripp has resigned. She joined the company in April 2018.
  • Birol Akdogan is acting CEO for Murray River Organics. He joined the company as CFO in September 2020.
    Birol Akdogan is acting CEO for Murray River Organics. He joined the company as CFO in September 2020.
Close×

CEO and managing director of Murray River Organics Group (MRG) Valentina Tripp has resigned, with CFO Birol Akdogan appointed acting CEO. Tripp said she is taking time out with her family and developing her non-executive career. 

Tripp was CEO for almost three years and oversaw the restructuring and growth strategy of the business. She said she was “immensely proud” of her time at the company. “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.

MRG chair 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.

“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 enable it to accelerate its future growth.”

Tripp said the growth of organics and MRG’s future are strong. “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.”

Tripp joined MRG in April 2018 when it was suffering heavy financial losses, had its CEO resign and his replacement only last 6 months. It had listed on the ASX in 2017. Her extensive experience in turnarounds, FMCG and agribusiness at Top Cut, Simplot and KPMG put her in good stead to lead the troubled company.

During her tenure MRG:

Akdogan joined MRG in September 2020. Tripp will help with his transition over the next three months.

Packaging News

Earlier this month PKN published an article that voiced industry concern over the speculation that Qenos might be closing its polymer manufacturing plants in Australia. Qenos has remained silent on the matter. The MD of Qenos customer Impact International, Aleks Lajovic, wants some answers.

Amcor, a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions, is the proud recipient of eight FPA Awards for innovative and sustainable contributions to the industry.

An impressive number of quality entries into the inaugural Hive Awards created a highly competitive line-up for judges to consider. The packaging category was one of the most strongly contested.