Business leader appointed as new Shire of Kojonup chief executive

A family man with a wealth of leadership experience in regional grain and train industries is the new chief executive at the Shire of Kojonup.

Appointed to the role earlier this month, Grant Thompson has spent the past few weeks getting settled into the job and the community.

Coming off five years overseeing regional train utilities as the chief operating manager at Watco Companies, Mr Thompson made the decision to immerse himself in country life by leaving Perth and accepting the top job in Kojonup.

Mr Thompson has worked in senior positions at CBH Group for more than 13 years and was the president of the South Australian Farmers Federation for two years in the 1990s.

He said he hoped his experience could help him bring a fresh perspective to local government.

“I’m from the private sector, not local government, which I hope can be of benefit because I can bring new thinking and observations from my experience managing a rail and supply chain company,” Mr Thompson said.

“I think coming from the private sector, you are always looking at finding solutions and by listening to the community we can bring ideas to the floor to make Kojonup a more prosperous town.”

Mr Thompson has spent his lifetime working in agribusinesses after learning the ropes at WA College of Agriculture — Narrogin.

He said his partner would transition to Kojonup to live alongside him over the next year.