For twenty years, Grant Statton has played a significant role in the evolution and growth of the highly successful, FKG Group – known for its excellence and innovation and its engagement with community. But after two decades of dedicated growth, a new challenge calls, as Grant steps into the role of CEO at Mort & Co Fertilisers, bringing his own experience in innovation to the world of fertilisers. The chance to grow the Mort & Co Fertiliser range of organic manure granules, brings with it opportunity and excitement for the Toowoomba leader. “New challenges are a good thing," admits Grant. “But I think the fertiliser has the potential to be a global business – but it comes with breaking a traditional sector in terms of its education and knowledge of synthetics versus biologicals and how they can work together.” Grant’s no stranger to breaking traditional ground. The FKG he leaves behind is a vastly different business from the one he joined, and he has played a significant hand in that transformation. His journey was anything but linear. Starting in a core financial role for the group as CFO, Grant soon pivoted toward a challenge that would redefine his career. He took the helm of Witmack, a large tract of industrial land which formed part of FKG’s property group. It was, as he puts it, an asset that "needed more than just being land." He was tasked with creating a vision. That vision became "AATLIS” a project that was about to spark a major innovation. As his role morphed into Head of Strategy and Innovation, Grant and his team didn't just develop property; they wrapped it in cutting-edge ideas. In just three short years, the initiative blossomed into a burgeoning biotech hub. "You'll see an announcement soon of the industry biotechnology centre," he notes with pride. It’s the culmination of his work, a legacy of bringing new capabilities and future-focused industry to the region. He’s leaving on a high note, having successfully nurtured a concept from a simple plot of land into a thriving ecosystem. It was this deep dive into biotechnology that forged his powerful connection to the future of agriculture. While FKG had its own farming interests—owning nearly 20 farms at Cecil Plains—Grant’s active role wasn't in the fields. Instead, his passion was ignited by the incredible potential he saw in biotech to revolutionise the sector. He saw what it could do for production, for the environment, and for the entire agricultural landscape. Now, he brings that forward-thinking mindset to Mort & Co.

Grant will finish at FKG in December before beginning in his new role with Mort & Co Fertilisers in early February, in time for the official opening of the Fertiliser Factory in March. Stephen O’Brien remains CEO of Mort & Co, while Charlie Mort will remain the Executive Chairman of both Mort & Co and Mort & Co Fertilisers.