Regenerative food company, Wide Open Agriculture (WOA), has appointed Craig Swan as its new CEO, as the company prepares to advance the commercialisation of its lupin protein platform. He takes over from Matthew Skinner, who will continue with the company as a non-executive director, commencing 7 April.
The company stated Swan brings extensive leadership experience across B2B food ingredients, with a career including experience at Goodman Fielder Ingredients, Nutrasweet and Givaudan. His appointment reflects the company’s focus on transitioning WOA into its next phase of commercial growth, with an emphasis on scaling its lupin protein technology, expanding customer relationships and improving manufacturing economics.
WOA chair, Yaxi Zhan, said the appointment represents an important milestone, as the company moves from technology development toward scale-up.
“Craig’s experience in building and leading growth-focused ingredients businesses across Asia aligns strongly with the company’s strategic priorities,” said Zhan.
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Matthew for his leadership during a critical period for the company and welcome his continued involvement as a non-executive director.”
WOA is one of the largest producers of lupin protein, after acquiring Germany company, Prolupin, for $4.2 million in 2023. As production scales up, the company has undertaken a pre-feasibility study (PFS) into constructing a 10,000 tonne per annum lupin protein isolate facility in Western Australia. WOA also lodged a patent for its new proprietary lupin protein milk formulation last October.
“I am excited to be joining Wide Open Agriculture at such a pivotal time,” said Swan.
“The company has developed a differentiated technology platform with significant potential, and I look forward to working with the Board, management team and partners to accelerate commercial outcomes and build long-term value for shareholders.”
