SINGAPORE – One of the world’s leading integrated palm-based agribusinesses, Golden Agri-Resources has appointed Anita Neville in the new role of Chief Sustainability and Communications Officer (CSCO). She has been with the company for six years now, with her last posting being Senior Vice President for Group Corporate Communications.
As CSCO, Ms Neville will be responsible for the company’s overall sustainability and communications strategy for the whole of business. She has been a sustainability communicator for more than two decades, having worked with both government and non government organisations in Europe, Australia and Singapore. She will take over the new responsibilities from November 1.
GAR Chairman and CEO Mr Franky O. Widjaja said, “GAR recognises the long-term value to the operational and commercial future of the business that comes from being a sustainable agribusiness player. We want our business to have a clear sense of purpose, to make a positive contribution to the world while delivering value.” He further said that building on the progress that the company has made over recent years in the global market, they are renewing their sustainability focus.
When Ms Neville will take the new role, the current Managing Director of Sustainability and Strategic Stakeholder Engagement Agus Purnomo would move into a senior advisory role to the company. He will be representing the company in key multi-stakeholder platforms and acting as a mentor for future talent within the business.
Reflecting on Mr Purnomo’s contribution to the company over the past seven years, Mr Widjaja said, “Pak Pungki (Agus Purnomo) built the solid foundations of GAR’s sustainability journey resulting in the company being considered as one of the leading responsible palm oil players globally. Under his leadership, we have made tremendous progress. I am delighted GAR will continue to benefit from his expertise and experience as a senior counsellor and mentor of the next generation of GAR talent.”
Mr Widjaja added, “Anita’s expertise and experience across public, private and civil society organisations, as well as her proven track record contributing to GAR’s sustainability journey, makes her the ideal candidate to develop and lead the next phase of our journey.”
Talking about her new role, Ms Neville said, “I am honoured to be entrusted with this new role and to continue the work established by Pak Pungki. I think it speaks to GAR’s strength in sustainability that we are able to make this transition from within the existing GAR team.” She says she is excited to work even more closely with the sustainability staff, and to look at how GAR’s sustainability journey can expand to incorporate the whole business.
