Mr Goudswaard brings considerable commercial acumen to the role after nearly 30 years experience with the ANZ Bank, experience which included senior management roles with responsibility for a diverse range of business units at a local and international level. In his last 8 years he was one of the most Senior Executives at ANZ.

In 2006 Mr Goudswaard was appointed to the position of Head of ANZ's Regional, Rural and Small Business Banking division, a role which encompassed many of the responsibilities that he will assume in his new role with Rural Finance given the organisations scope of operations throughout regional Victoria.

"I am delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Goudswaard to this coveted position and believe his strong experience in the financial and banking sector will be of great benefit to Rural Finance," said Rural Finance Chair, Sonia Petering.

In addition to his position as Chief Executive Officer, Mr Goudswaard also operates a grazing and timber plantation property in Victoria's North East.

Ms Petering added, "Rob's understanding of the challenges faced by the primary producers of Victoria is strengthened by his first hand knowledge and involvement in farming."

Mr Goudswaard has a Bachelor of Economics from LaTrobe University and a Postgraduate degree in Corporate Finance from RMIT. He is also a fellow of the Williamson Leadership Community Program, a fellow of FINSIA and a Graduate of AICD. He has completed Senior Executive Programs at Melbourne Business School, London Business School and Wharton University of Pennsylvania. Mr Goudswaard is also a Director of World Vision Australia.

Ms Petering said she had no doubt Mr Goudswaard would provide exceptional leadership for Rural Finance as it continues to enhance its position as a leading lender to primary producers and the wider rural community and deliver various administration schemes for and on behalf of Government.

"Rural Finance is an organization of great standing in the rural community of Victoria and I am very excited that I have been given this opportunity to work with an outstanding group of people that cares for and understand rural communities," said Mr Goudswaard.

Ms Petering said that Mr Goudswaard would succeed Dugald Graham whose term as CEO expires on 31 July 2010, commencing his new role on 1st August. "I would like to thank Dugald for his contribution to Rural Finance during his term as CEO and for the 40 years of his life which he has devoted to the organization across many roles", Ms Petering said.

Rural Finance is wholly owned by the Victorian Government. It provides finance to farmers and rural business and has a loan portfolio in excess of $1.6B making it a significant contributor to Victoria's rural economy.

It also assists Government in administering various programs including the Young Farmers' Finance Scheme and recently announced First Farmers Grant, Natural Disaster Relief Schemes and Industry Adjustment Programs.

www.ruralfinance.com.au