Neil Chatfield is tipped to become the new chairman of leading Australian fresh produce firm Costa Group, according to the Australian Financial Review (AFR).
The appointment appears to hinge on a decision currently being made about the company’s long-term future. The Costa Group’s co-owners, the Costa family and US-based Paine & Partners, are reportedly in discussion about whether to list the business or sell to a trade buyer.
AFR suggested that should the Costa Group follow through with plans to list on the Australian Securities Exchange, the company’s founder, Frank Costa, would likely step down from his role at the head of the boardroom.
Sources close to the company have identified Chatfield as Costa’s likely replacement. Chatfield is currently an independent director on the group’s board and also chairs the board’s of airline Virgin Australia and employment website Seek.
