The aim of the leadership team at Ballance Agri-Nutrients is to ensure that the company delivers value for shareholders, both through the return of a reasonable and sustainable rebate, and through the supply of quality products that meet customers' plant nutrient needs.
Larry Bilodeau joined Ballance in 1997 when he accepted the role of General Manager of the Kapuni-based ammonia-urea plant. In 2000 he became Chief Executive of Ballance Agri-Nutrients.
Larry has considerable experience in managing large-scale industrial organisations, having started his career with Esso/Exxon in Canada, where his achievements included overseeing the design and construction and start up of major manufacturing facilities, both in Canada and the US. He was also a key player in the execution of several large mergers and acquisitions.
At Ballance, Larry has explored growth opportunities for the company resulting in the introduction of several new products to the marketplace. He has also expanded the business with the acquisition of Summit-Quinphos, increasing Ballance's shareholding in the company, which focuses on organic and environmentally sustainable fertilisers and nutrients, from 40 to 100 percent.
A continued focus on growth, cost management and continuous improvement under Larry's leadership will ensure the co-operative's ongoing success. Larry has a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) from Lakehead University, Ontario, and an executive MBA from the University of Virginia.
As General Manager Distribution and Logistics Greg Delaney has overall responsibility for the company's 43 service centres nationwide, as well as its relationships with consignment stores, spreaders and carriers.
Greg joined Ballance in 2002, taking up the role of Service Centre Manager at Morrinsville. Soon after, Greg's responsibilities grew to include management of the North Island store expansion programme, during which he successfully established a company presence in the Taranaki/Lower North Island area, opening service centres in Waingawa, Feilding, Stratford and Hastings. Following this Greg accepted a role at the corporate office based at Mount Maunganui as Projects Manager. In 2004 Greg was appointed North Island Distribution Manager, and in 2006 he became the Programme Manager for Project Enterprise, during which he led a project to identify opportunities to add value to the company through improvements to supply chain practices.
Prior to his employment with Ballance Greg had a career in the forestry industry, and was Auckland region manager of national waste company EnviroWaste.
Greg holds a Bachelor of Management Studies with Honours from Waikato University.
Warwick de Vere has been in the fertiliser industry since 1970 and in his current role since 2000, having moved to head office from the company's Whangarei plant, where he had been regional manager for 14 years.
Having started his working life in an analytical laboratory, Warwick's dominant interest has been in the technical aspects of the business. His experience spans the whole process, from raw materials to finished products, including the environmental management of processes and emissions, and the efficiency and sustainability of the finished product.
Warwick's previous responsibilities at Ballance include management of sales, research & development, distribution & logistics, individual chemical plants, and industrial relations.
Today, Warwick is responsible for the overall management of the superphosphate manufacturing plants as well as the ammonia-urea manufacturing plant at Kapuni; in addition he oversees the company's aerial topdressing division, Super Air.
Jack Herder joined Ballance in 1997, taking up the role of manager for shipping and supply. He brought with him eleven years of experience in supply chain management, all of which had been gained with Fernz Corporation Ltd, where his responsibilities encompassed shipping and bulk raw material supply to fertiliser manufacturers.
Jack's involvement with the fertiliser industry began in 1973, when he worked for Kiwi Fertiliser Ltd, today part of Ballance.
Today, he is responsible for managing raw materials contracts with international suppliers, overseeing relationships with MAF, Customs, stevedores, port companies and transport operators.
The Corporate Services function supports Ballance's strategic positioning and core business activities by building capability and competitive advantage through business processes and organisational culture.
Specifically, this role incorporates development of the information technology platforms, implementation of business systems, development of intellectual capital, human resource management and communications.
Prior to commencing with Ballance in 2010, Liz had an extensive career in the food processing industry, having held management roles with Anchor Products (now Fonterra), Heinz-Wattie, Taura Natural Ingredients and Avocado Oil NZ Ltd.
Liz holds a Bachelor of Technology and an MBA, both from Massey University.
As Chief Financial Officer David O'Reilly is responsible for financial affairs in the Ballance Agri-Nutrients Group.
David joined Ballance in 1990, taking up the role of finance manager at the commencement of a sustained development phase for the comapny. This saw the investment in and subsequent expansion of the Kapuni urea plant, purchase of the Northland fertiliser business from FERNZ Corporation and merger with SouthFert Co-operative to establish today's national fertiliser business. Prior to joining Ballance, David was finance manager for BASF New Zealand, a subsidiary of the German-based multi-national chemical company. David's commercial experience also includes periods engaged in international shipping, hotel and travel enterprises.
He is a member of the Chartered Accountant School of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants and has a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration from Victoria University. David also holds a Certified Treasury Professional membership with the Institute of Financial Professionals of New Zealand to support specialist treasury responsibilities.
Graeme Smith joined Ballance in 2000, taking up the role of General Manager of the company's North Island sales and distribution arm, adding responsibility for the South Island Sales in 2002.
Following an internal restructure in January 2005 the company's marketing, customer services and sales team were integrated under Graeme's control, with the objective of providing an increased focus on customer satisfaction and retention, and building market share.
Graeme is responsible for overseeing Ballance's sales managers, technical sales representatives and the company's marketing and commercial business teams. He has significant experience in the New Zealand rural market, having worked for electric fence manufacturer Gallagher for 12 years, which included five years as national sales manager. As a result he is well connected with the merchant network and industry groups throughout the country.
Graeme has Post-graduate Diploma in Management Studies from Waikato University and has also completed the Senior Executive Programme at the London Business School.
Willie Thomson was appointed General Manager of Summit-Quinphos following its acquisition by Ballance in July 2008, taking over from his role as National Sales and Marketing Manager at Summit-Quinphos. In October 2009 he also became responsible for leading the research and development efforts of both Ballance and Summit-Quinphos, which was rebranded to Altum in 2011.
Born and raised on family farms in South West Scotland, Willie joined ICI Fertilisers in 1989 and went on to hold various management positions throughout the United Kingdom fertiliser and animal feeds industry. Willie relocated to New Zealand in 2003 to become SQ Regional Business Manager followed by the positions of National Operations Manager and National Sales and Marketing Manager.
