Close

Our Team

The People Behind GO.FARM

Our people are at the core of our operations. Whether they are on-farm or at the Melbourne Farm Hub, our team has a deep connection and passion for agriculture and the work we do. Our story began in 2013, with founder Liam Lenaghan and a team of just three. Since then, we have grown our team to over 100 people, primarily positioned in regional and rural communities working on GO.FARM’s innovative farmland projects.

Our Leaders

We’re led by smart agribusiness minds.

Our leadership team has experience deeply rooted in agriculture.
And we’re as passionate about the growth and development of our people as we are about agriculture.

Rob Costa

Chairman

Rob is the Chairman of Costa Asset Management (CAM), Chairman and Board Member at GO.FARM and a member of the GO.FARM Investment Committee. Rob co-founded Costa Group, Australia’s largest grower and marketer of fresh fruit and vegetables. Rob managed the company’s asset base and balance sheet, including working capital, liquidity, cash flow and has over 40 years of experience in the industry. CAM acquired a 50% stake in GO.FARM in 2015 and Rob has Chaired the company for the last 9 years.

Liam Lenaghan

Founder & Managing Director

Farming is in Liam's blood, born and raised a fifth-generation farmer on his family's mixed grazing and cropping property north of Ballarat, in Central Victoria. It was here his passion for agriculture and early practical farming knowledge was gained. Liam studied agriculture, awarded a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons) at the University of Melbourne and later a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment, FINSIA.

He benefits from 25 years' experience working across applied agricultural research, agronomy, farm management consultancy, farming on personal account and leading private investment into Australian agriculture.

Convinced that Australian agriculture offered high growth and transformational investment opportunities, capable of delivering both compelling investment returns and positive outcomes in rural and regional communities, Liam founded GO.FARM in 2013.

His vision for transforming Australian agriculture, supported by a talented and growing team, has already translated into the development and management of $1.1B worth of agricultural assets. Furthermore, GO.FARM'S track record has proven Liam's original thesis correct - great returns are possible whilst delivering good, too.

GO.FARM's growth and success is both a function of its Value Creation Model, Liam's ability to find great people and his willingness to give them big things to do.

He believes in the power of learning, applying critical and independent thought, solving problems not admiring them and acting with courage and urgency.

These beliefs inform the culture of GO.FARM. They are also evidenced through action - working alongside Professor Jim Pratley, Liam co-created, championed and sponsored the Charles Sturt University AGcessibility First Nations Scholarship and the AGcessibility Kickstart Scholarship. GO.FARM, The Anthony Costa Foundation and Australian Farming Services (50% owned by GO.FARM) have collectively committed $1.3M to create opportunities for students to access agricultural and horticultural education and open pathways to careers in agriculture and horticulture

Liam has established the guiding principles for GO.FARM's Responsible Agriculture, which are:

  • Preserve and enhance the productive capacity of the land through world class land and water management.
  • Inspire and develop a team of high-performing, happy and healthy people to be their best.
  • Have a positive and meaningful impact on communities where we invest, live and work.
  • Champion safe working environments, which prioritise the physical and mental wellbeing of the team.

Liam and GO.FARM, is committed to deliver the capital and innovation solutions needed to propel growth in Australian agriculture.

Liza Whitmore

Director

Liza is a Director of GO.FARM, a member of both the GO.FARM Board and Investor Committee and is the CEO of Costa Asset Management (CAM) which she has led since 2011. Prior to becoming CEO, Liza held senior management roles within the Costa Group, having begun working with the Costa Family in 2002. Liza is a member of CPA Australia, holds a Bachelor of Commerce and has a Graduate Certificate in Accounting. Liza joined the GO.FARM Board in 2015 upon CAM’s 50% acquisition of the company.

John Maher

Director

John is a Director of GO.FARM, a member of both the GO.FARM Board and Investment Committee and an agribusiness leader with over 25 years’ experience in board and business leadership across both publicly listed and private companies, predominantly in the agricultural sector. John is the former Managing Director and Chief Executive of the ASX-listed rural services company Ruralco Holdings (acquired by Nutrien). John was previously the CEO of the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation and is a Senior Advisor to BGH Capital. He is a director of GrainCorp, Autism Awareness Australia and Agribusiness Australia. John has an Honors degree in Agricultural Science from Sydney University, an MBA from AGSM (University of NSW), completed the Advanced Management Program at INSEAD Business School in France, studied global agribusiness at Harvard Business School, is a Graduate of the AICD and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management. John joined GO.FARM as a Director in early 2020.

Matthew Adams

Chief Financial Officer

Matt is GO.FARM’s CFO, leading both the Finance & Investment and Compliance teams to deliver on financial management, reporting and controls. He provides direction and commercial viability of business strategy and is a member of the GO.FARM’s Investment Committ ee. Prior to joining GO.FARM in 2022, Matt worked in Corporate Finance Strategy leading both the Finance & Investment and Compliance teams to deliver at Allen Lane Consultancy in London. Matt has worked in the Agribusiness sector for 9 years, having held positions as: Head of Commercial Strategy and Finance at Devondale; Head of Sales and Operations Planning at Saputo; and, General Manager, Strategy and Transformation for Accolate Wines. Matt has completed a Bachelor of Commerce, Finance and Accounting at the University of Melbourne, is a Chartered Accountant and a member of the CFA Institute.

Greer McCracken

Chief Operating Officer

Greer is GO.FARM’s COO, leading Distribution, Investor Relations, People and Culture and Communications. Greer has over 20 years’ experience working across marketing, people, ESG, Wellness and Workplace discipline. She has specialist expertise in leading and delivering business strategy as well as leading integrated communications strategies for global businesses. Before joining GO.FARM in 2023, Greer worked at the Cott on On Group for 10 years as General Manager - Global Communications, Workplace and Wellness and 5 years at Mecca Brands as National Communications Manager. Greer has a Bachelor of Arts - Political Science from La Trobe University and a Bachelor of Communications (Hons). - Public Relations and Journalism from Monash University.

Our Team

With in-house expertise in agronomics, training and development, operations, finance, research and analytics, our assets are in capable hands.

Investment & Research

David Goudie

Investment Manager

David is GO.FARM’s Investment Manager and leads the investment analysis, due diligence, valuations and new opportunity business case development, as well as the investment management of existing land and water assets. David grew up on a mixed irrigation farm in the NSW Riverina. David holds a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering (Honours) from Monash University and a Masters in Agribusiness from the University of Melbourne. David joined GO.FARM in 2018.

Tom Mathieson

Senior Investment Analyst

Joining GO.FARM in August 2023 as a Senior Investment Analyst, Tom brings a wealth of experience in finance, specialising in investment analysis and financial modelling. With a diverse background across trading, investment banking, and equity research, Tom holds dual bachelor’s degrees in commerce (Finance) and Management from Flinders University and is pursuing the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. He leads financial modelling efforts to evaluate new investments and support existing entities.

Ed Perrett

Research Manager

Ed’s role is focused on developing insights for new investment strategies and supporting due diligence for on and off -market transactions. Before joining GO.FARM in 2017, Ed studied agribusiness in the Netherlands, worked for the Australian Farm Institute (where he remains an Honorary Research Fellow) and worked in agricultural advocacy in Canberra. He has work experience on his extended family’s grazing properties in northern Victoria and the New South Wales Riverina. Ed has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours), a Postgraduate Certificate in Climate Change for Primary Industries, a Master of Environment and a Master of Agricultural Production Chain Management.

Will Foster

Investment Analyst

As an Investment Analyst at GO.FARM, Will is involved in analysing investments, conducting due diligence, and developing business cases for both existing and potential new opportunities. Prior to joining GO.FARM, will worked in strategy and transformation project consulting at Deloitte. Growing up on his family's farm in Tasmania, Will acquired practical experience in livestock management and farm business operations. He holds a Bachelor of Agriculture (Economics) from the University of Melbourne.

Wil Sauer

Investment Analyst

Wil brings experience in agricultural asset management, agricultural investment and finance, along with sound hands-on experience in production agriculture. Wil is part of the Investment Team and pair’s genuine agricultural insights with detailed investment analysis, covering existing entities and potential new acquisitions.

Farmland Development

Joe Barlow

Head of Farmland development

Joe is GO.FARM’s Head of Farmland Development, leading the delivery of planning, asset assembly, development, management and operations of GO.FARM’s investment-grade assets and operating teams. Joe joined GO.FARM as its first Agribusiness Graduate in 2019 and following completion, was promoted to Asset Manager. Joe grew up on a farm in southern NSW and has extensive experience with large scale cropping assets. Joe holds a Bachelor of Commerce.

Ben Hayward

Horticulture Manager

Ben leads GO.FARM’s horticulture projects in the Goulburn Valley region. Ben has over 14 years horticulture experience managing some of Australia’s largest Citrus, Walnut and Macadamia orchards. In this time, Ben has gained extensive experience in horticultural best practices and completed an Advance Diploma in Agri Business Management. Ben has overseen the successful transition of large-scale greenfield sites into highly productive orchards.

David Baker

Project Manager - Sandmount Farms

David manages the assets for Sandmount Farms working closely with Nick Raleigh, General Manager. Sandmount Farms is a significant and growing horticultural & cropping investment in Victoria’s Goulburn Murray Irrigation District. David has a long history in heavy industry, port operations (exporting & importing) including grain, coal, fuel, and bauxite.

Nick Raleigh

General Manager - Sandmount Farms

Nick is the General Manager of Sandmount Farms, one of Australia’s most significant cropping and horticultural portf olios located in the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District (GMID) of northern Victoria. Nick has a long history in farm management, agronomy, irrigation consultation and leadership in the agricultural sector. Prior to his commencement at GO.FARM in 2018, Nick was General Manager Field Operations for Kagome Australia, the largest grower, harvester and processor of tomatoes in Australia (>200,000 t annually), as well as carrots (~15,000 t p.a.), garlic, corn and lucerne. Nick was born and raised in the GMID, was involved in the Northern Victoria Irrigation Renewal Project (NVIRP) and holds deep connection and insight in the region. Nick has a Bachelor of Agriculture Science (Hons).

Tom Farmer

General Manager – Lake Boga

Tom has been the General Manager at Lake Boga Farms for the last 2 years and leads the strategy of the 5,000 ha irrigated field tomato and winter cropping operation. Prior to joining GO.FARM, Tom worked as an independent agronomist and later started an agronomy business near Brisbane. Tom moved into Farm Management in Bundaberg where he was the production manager at Greensil farming, producing sweet potatoes, peanuts, sugarcane and lucerne. Tom grew up on his family farm in Canungra in Queensland and has studied a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and a Masters in Business at the University of Queensland.

Allan Barr

General Manager - Tasmania

Prior to commencing with GO.FARM, Allan managed over 150,000 ha of rural properties across 3 states for AAAW Group and presided over Tasmanian operations for Ruralco. Allan is an experienced Executive, General Manager and Operations Manager, including serving as an Executive for publicly listed company Ruralco (RHL). His agribusiness career spans over 38 years in both Australia and New Zealand, including agronomy, meat processing, retail management, senior and General Management roles. Allan Studied a Bachelor of Commerce in Agriculture at Lincoln University in New Zealand.

Joe Gibson

Cropping Manager - Goulburn Valley

Joe grew up on his family’s mixed farming enterprise in Western Victoria and has sound practical farming experience on sheep and broadacre cropping farms. Joe holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and Bachelor of Commerce (Major in Marketing) from La Trobe University.

Luca Rivadossi

Farm Manager - Riverina Orchards

Luca joined GO.FARM in 2023 as Farm Manager at Riverina Premium Orchards and leads the team and operation which will see the development of over 1,000 ha almonds by 2026. Prior to GO.FARM, Luca worked as an Operations Manager for Select Harvest and a Harvest Manager for a watermelon producer across NSW, QLD and the NT. Luca moved to Australia from Italy in 2011 and has a Diploma in Draft ing and Surveying.

Operations

Richard Bligh

Head of People and Culture

Richard is the Head of People and Culture and leads the strategy and operations of Human Resources, Learning & Development, Careers, Wellness, Safety and Graduate Programs. Prior to Head of People & Culture, Richard led the development & execution of GO.FARM’s business operations including; strategy development; corporate governance; board reporting; people & culture; investment & treasury functions; compliance functions & business systems; processes & polices. Before joining the GO.FARM team in 2016, Richard spent 12 years at Rabobank specialising in Food & & Agribusiness and leading the Melbourne off ice. Richard grew up on a mixed cropping and catt le farm in northern NSW. Richard has a Bachelor of Business, Finance and marketing, a Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance and Investment and is a graduate of AICD.

Shifka Seigel

Distribution manager

Shifka is the Distribution Manger for GO.FARM’s global activities. Her role is focused on capital raising in North America, Europe and the Middle Eastern Markets. Shifka’s opinion and knowledge of agriculture and food tech innovation have allowed her to work with some of the world’s leading agriculture government departments, companies and VCs.

Rhonda Arnott

General Counsel and Compliance Manager

Rhonda is GO.FARM’s General Counsel and Compliance Manager. Rhonda leads transactional work in acquisition and divestment of assets, capital raising and legal and regulatory compliance across all of GO.FARM’s investments. Rhonda has Over 20 years commercial and legal experience implementing investment strategies for Costa Family Off ice and GO.FARM across the agricultural sector. Rhonda joined the Board of Costa Asset Management (CAM) in 2013, aft er providing legal advice to the Costa family for the 10 years prior, whilst the commercial partner in charge of corporate advisory and M&A division of B2B Lawyers, a boutique Melbourne legal firm. Rhonda now holds the position of General Counsel to CAM and provides advice in relation to all aspects of CAMs’ business including, loan and security arrangements, investment in joint ventures, divestment of assets including the IPO of Vitalharvest Freehold Trust. Rhonda has a Bachelor of Economics and Law (Hons) from Monash University.

Anna Keenan

Communications Manager

Anna is the Communications Manager, with her role focused on GO.FARM's Investors Relations, Public Relations and Responsible Agriculture initiatives. Anna’s role has progressed from Investment and Research Analyst, where she began with GO.FARM in early 2021.

Vanessa Powell

Business Manager - People

Vanessa is the Business Manager of people and works to ensure GO.FARM has the right processes, practices and procedures in place to support GO.FARM being an employer of choice. Vanessa commenced with GO.FARM in 2017 as the Office Manager and has multi-industry experience in business administration.

Sarah Grant

Office Manager

Sarah Grant joined the GO.FARM Team as Investment Administrator in August 2020. Sarah is an experienced Administrator with over 10 years’ experience in various administration roles and is motivated to help organisations meet targets and achieve their goals.

Finance

Ken Semmens

Finance Manager

  Ken leads the Finance team at GO.FARM, managing investment reporting, forecasting and governance of our farming enterprises with a focus on driving improved operational decision making. Prior to joining GO.FARM, Ken served in the Australian Army and abroad before commencing finance roles in banking, property & technology in Melbourne and London. He holds a Bachelor and Master of Business (UNSW) and a Graduate Diploma of Agriculture from the Royal Agricultural University.

Amanda Shaw

Accounts Manager

Amanda leads the Accounts Payable and Receivable functions for GO.FARM Australia and our related entities. Prior to joining GO.FARM in 2020, Amanda gained accounts experience working in the construction industry. Accurate and methodical, Amanda prides herself on ensuring prompt processing of all accounts.

Edina Sahic

Management Accountant

Edina is part of GO.FARM’s finance team. Her role is providing high level of management accounting support to the GO.FARM finance team. Before commencing with GO.FARM in June 2023, Edina worked as a finance analyst for British American Tobacco in Bosnia & Herzegovina. She gained her bachelor's degree in Financial Management in 2016 and is currently studying for a Master of Business Analytics at Torrens University in Melbourne

Tara Lennie

Accountant

Tara is a qualified accountant with 18 years’ experience including 16 years in public accounting and in more recent years, nearly 2 years working in the industry including a role as a Senior Accountant at Frank Green. Tara has worked with a diverse range of clients, mainly based in the Goulburn Valley region from small businesses to medium-to-large corporations. Tara holds a degree in Commerce from La Trobe University and a Graduate Diploma with Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CAANZ).