Elders Limited has announced that the Elders board has elected Mark Allison as chairman, as the company progresses its longer term plans to become a pure play rural services business.

An Elders statement said Mr Allison has extensive experience in the agricultural sector in both senior executive and non-executive roles, and is a natural fit for the agri-business as it focuses solely on its rural and regional clients.

Mr Allison’s experience within the agricultural sector ranges from research through to executive management, including currently serving as CEO of Grain Growers Limited among other industry roles.

Mr Allison has previously served as Managing Director of Wesfarmers Landmark Limited, Farmoz and Wesfarmers CSBP Limited, General Manager of Crop Care Australasia and General Manager of Incitec Limited.

Former Chairman, John Ballard, advised the Board that he would step down and retire immediately as a director, as the company progresses its plans for the Rural Services business.

Mr Allison said the Elders Board extended its sincere thanks to Mr Ballard for his management of the company through a very complex restructuring and divestment program it has pursued over recent years.

“The process of returning Elders to its core rural services focus is now nearing its final stages and we thank John for his contribution to this process,” Mr Allison said.

Elders is progressing plans with its financiers to strengthen its operations and financial position and expects that this process is likely to take until mid to late August.