August 16, 2016

The North Australian Pastoral Company (NAPCo) announced it has named Stephen Thompson as its new chief executive officer effective September 12. Thompson will succeed Nigel Alexander who has served as CEO for the company for the past 20 years.

The announcement comes only months after Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC), the $78.5 billion investment arm of the Queensland government, acquired an 80% stake in the North Australian Pastoral Company (NAPCo) in a deal reported to exceed $400 million.

Founded in 1877, NAPCO runs 177,978 head of cattle on 13 cattle stations across nearly six million hectares in Queensland and the Northern Territory, and operates a large-scale feedlot on the Darling Downs.

Prior to joining NAPCo, Mr. Thompson served as chief relationship officer at Brett Blundy Retail Capital (BBRC), where he was responsible for the oversight of the company’s cattle and property portfolio. Throughout his 20-year career, he also was commercial manager at SPC Ardmona leading the company’s brand reinvigoration strategy and customer relations, was general manager of strategy at Tabcorp Holdings, and was founder and CEO of the Australian Wine Exchange among other leadership positions.

Mr. Alexander will transition his involvement in NAPCo to his position as a board director during the transitional phase under the group’s new ownership.

“Due in large part to Mr. Alexander’s leadership, NAPCo is in the strongest strategic position it has ever been,” said NAPCo board member, Will Foster.

Looking to the future, Mr. Thomson makes note of the company’s solid position and the importance of ensuring its continuation.

“My priority will be maintaining the momentum Mr. Alexander and his team have achieved in terms of growth and profitability,” he said. “NAPCo is an iconic business in Northern Australia and has an unparalleled opportunity for expansion, particularly given our proximity to the booming Asian market.”

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Lynda Kiernan