Plant protein ingredient manufacturer, Wide Open Agriculture, has announced key changes to its board, including the appointment of Yaxi Zhan as independent non-executive chairperson and Matthew Skinner stepping down as interim CEO.
Zhan will succeed Anthony Maslin who will transition to a non-executive director role, with the current non-executive director Ben Cole announcing his resignation from the Board.
Zhan is an experienced executive with over 17 years of experience across startups, large-scale mining operations and ASX-listed companies.
With strong connections in the Australian and Chinese business communities, Zhan is recognised for her business acumen and efficiency.
Zhan has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a Master’s degree in Accounting and Finance, and is the founder and former managing director of Accelerate Resources Limited.
“Joining the board of Wide Open Agriculture at this pivotal time is an exciting opportunity as we showcase this unique Western Australian technology with global market applications,” said Zhan.
“As a novel food technology and ingredients company with a portfolio of products I look forward to working with the team to unlock new growth opportunities with a focus on delivering value to our shareholders.”
This appointment coincides with the retirement of Ben Cole as non-executive director and Anthony Maslin’s transition from chairperson to non-executive director, both effective 13 August 2024. Joanne Ford will continue in her role as Non-Executive Director.
Cole, together with Maslin, was a co-founder of Wide Open Agriculture in 2015, and has been a member of the Board since that date.
Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Matthew Skinner, has also resigned from his role with the Company.
Skinner will continue to work with the Board and management to ensure a smooth transition.
The Company will be conducting a recruitment process to identify potential new CEO candidates.
The future is wide open for the company, with its goal to create ingredients for food and drink products that build a better future for people and the planet.