Cargill, the global food, agricultural, and industrial products company, has appointed Andrew MacPherson as its new Chief Executive Officer of Teys, its Australian beef processing business. The transition is announced as Cargill finalizes its purchase of Teys, after an extended 14-year relationship with the Teys family.
MacPherson, who will operate from Brisbane, will succeed after the transition of ownership, subject to regulatory approvals. He has deep experience in the international food and agribusiness industry and has held various senior leadership positions within Cargill and Teys. Most notably, he was the Teys CEO from 2021 to 2023, a time of strategic evolution and business diversification that fortified the company’s position in the Australian beef market’s competitive landscape.
Jon Nash, Executive Vice President and head of Cargill’s Food Enterprise, underscored the importance of MacPherson’s appointment, saying that “under Andrew’s leadership, Teys is well-positioned to continue its trajectory as a world-class beef processing business.” Nash also expressed gratitude to departing Executive Chairman Brad Teys for his role in constructing Teys as a brand well known globally, highlighting the solid platform established for continued growth.
Brad Teys, who will step down after overseeing the transition, expressed his gratitude for the team and partners who contributed to Teys’ success. “It has been an honor to lead Teys and work alongside our dedicated people and partners,” Teys stated. “We are proud of what we’ve built together, and I’m confident that under Cargill’s stewardship, Teys will continue to thrive and uphold the values that have defined us.”
Since its establishment in 1946, Teys has emerged as one of Australia’s leading beef suppliers, providing quality Australian beef to both domestic and overseas customers. Teys supplies a broad portfolio of products ranging from fresh beef, multi-protein, and value-added solutions to retail, foodservice, and manufacturing segments. Today, Teys has approximately 5,000 employees in its core businesses based in Australia and the United States, an indication of its major presence in the global beef market.
MacPherson’s leadership experience with Teys and Cargill has been characterized by operational excellence, innovation, and profound knowledge of the Australian beef sector. His past achievements involve leading strategic programs that improved supply chain performance, diversified product offerings, and deepened ties with domestic and export customers. These experiences are anticipated to lead Teys through its next stage of growth in the full ownership by Cargill.
Cargill’s acquisition of Teys is a significant milestone in the company’s move to broaden its presence in the Australian beef sector and solidify its global operations. The acquisition is a testament to Cargill’s determination to provide quality food products sustainably and responsibly, building on decades of experience in agriculture and food production.
The Australian beef industry has been going through huge transitions, dictated by changing consumer needs, sustainability efforts, and international demand for high-quality meat products. With MacPherson at the helm, Teys is looking to uphold its reputation for quality while innovating in processing technology, venturing into new markets, and practicing sustainable procurement. This is in line with industry trends globally, where firms are seeking to emphasize traceability, animal welfare, and environmentally friendly production.
MacPherson’s appointment is at a very significant time for Teys, as it is dealing with challenges posed by such things as volatile livestock prices, regulation, and competition in domestic as well as export markets. His history of success at driving transformation programs means he is capable of meeting such challenges effectively while delivering long-term growth and profitability.
Cargill, with its 160-year history and more than 155,000 employees worldwide, continues to focus on the production of safe, sustainable, and high-quality food. The addition of Teys to the operations of Cargill strengthens this focus and shows the company’s larger strategy to build its global market presence in the main markets while serving to enhance local agricultural industries.
As Andrew MacPherson steps up to lead as CEO, stakeholders, customers, and employees alike anticipate a new chapter in the life of Teys, marked by innovation, expansion, and increased attention to excellence in Australian beef production. The change in leadership marks Cargill’s commitment to Teys’ role as a premium beef supplier leader while championing operational enhancements and growing its worldwide presence.
