New CEO Announcement

February 2, 2022

Following an extensive search and recruitment process, Mr David Thomas, President of the Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia is pleased to announce that Robyn Sermon has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia (RASWA).

“The RASWA Council is extremely pleased that Robyn will be joining the Society at a time when it has endured two tough years, but at the same time experienced a very successful 2021 Perth Royal Agricultural Show. Additionally, the future redevelopment of the Claremont Showground will feature high on our future plans and we were very impressed with Robyn’s credentials in relation to this.” said Mr Thomas.

“Robyn has executive leadership and board experience in a range of industries, including agriculture, and together with her broad and unique skillset is ideally suited to lead the Royal Agricultural Society in Western Australia ” added David Thomas.

Robyn Sermon is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has served long periods on not-for-profit boards including the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). Robyn has worked on Executive teams and served as the Executive Officer on the WA Future Fund Board working with a Board of preeminent Western Australians to fund and develop community partnerships. Robyn is also an alumnus of the Leadership WA program.

With a strong track record of business acumen and leading large teams, Robyn has extensive skills in financial and people management, and together with her skills in communications, media, community development, cross-sector partnerships, innovation, information management and technology, Robyn is well equipped to lead RASWA in its next very important chapter. During her time at Rio Tinto Robyn was instrumental in the development of the partnership with the Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia as a major exhibitor at the 2017 Perth Royal Agricultural Show, celebrating 50 years of iron ore exports.

“Robyn is also the owner of a farm in the wheatbelt and with a highly successful career focused on regional stakeholders, she is passionate about the role of Agriculture and the importance of strategic partnerships that connect business, government and communities.” stated Mr Thomas.

Robyn Sermon is the current Chair of the Curtin WACHS Regional Health Alliance and since 2019 has been the Executive Director Innovation and Development WA Country Health Services. In this role Robyn lead a new division driving innovation in the delivery of health services across rural and remote Western Australia through partnerships with communities, universities, service providers and suppliers. Robyn was a member of the Executive Team with responsibility for research and virtual care programs, information management and technology, and delivery of the Country Health Innovation funding program.

Prior to this Robyn was Director Innovation & Industry Engagement with the University of Western Australia and has also held management positions with Rio Tinto and Argyle Diamonds, focusing on corporate, community and agricultural engagement, and reputation.
Robyn will officially join the Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia on March 8th 2022.