Mr Gordon announced his intention to retire in December 2022 and will step down on August 23 this year, at the conclusion of the company’s AGM.
Mr Serra will join SunRice in early July to allow for an orderly leadership transition.
He joins SunRice from the role of managing director North America (USA and Canada) with Olam Food Ingredients (ofi) in New York.
Prior to joining ofi, Mr Serra held a number of senior executive roles at the Campbells Soup Company, and was previously in operational roles at Arnotts Biscuits ANZ.
Mr Serra has demonstrable experience in delivering financial outcomes in the agribusiness, food ingredients and FMCG sectors and brings to the SunRice role an in-depth experience in supply chain, people leadership, business transformations, health and safety and operations.
He holds an honours degree in engineering from The University of Queensland.
“It is a great honour and privilege to be appointed as the CEO and managing director of SunRice, a leading global food group and one of Australia’s leading branded food exporters, at such an important time in the group’s evolution as it continues its expansion both in Australia and overseas,” Mr Serra said.
“I look forward to continuing to build on the underlying strength of the SunRice business and delivering a strategy to create long term value for the group, in partnership with the SunRice’s growers, shareholders, customers, communities and its people.”
SunRice chair Laurie Arthur described Mr Serra as an “accomplished executive”.
He said his leadership skills and global experience in the growth and transformation of complex and diverse organisations will “provide the right mix to continue to build on the SunRice Group’s growth strategy”.
“The board is confident that under Paul’s leadership SunRice will be well positioned to build on our core strengths and continue to create value for both classes of shareholders.
“Paul’s appointment reflects his deep commercial and operational experience, leadership capabilities and track record at both ofi and Campbell Soups.”
