An Armidale-based agricultural scientist with a University of New England PhD and a background running an 8,300-hectare farm in Tasmania has been appointed Managing Director of the Cotton Research & Development Corporation.
Dr Georgina Pengilley will take the helm of the CRDC on Monday, 27 July 2026, the week before the Australian Cotton Conference, the industry’s major biennial gathering.
She brings 25 years of experience spanning research investment, on-ground delivery, and farming to the national role, stepping across from Rice Breeding Australia, where as CEO she established a national breeding organisation and led development of a $10 million facility that cut variety development timelines by nine years.
CRDC Chair Richard Haire said Dr Pengilley’s combination of scientific credentials, executive experience, and time spent as a grower set her apart.
“Georgina is an experienced agricultural research leader, having operated at key parts of the system: as an investor in research, as a deliverer of it, and as a grower with skin in the game,” Mr Haire said.
“That combination of scientific expertise, executive leadership and genuine grower credibility is exactly what CRDC needs as we look to the next chapter.
“She has a proven track record of translating RD&E investment into real, measurable outcomes for Australian agriculture, and we are confident she will build on CRDC’s strong strategic foundations and continue delivering on Clever Cotton for the benefit of the entire industry.”
Dr Pengilley holds a PhD in Plant Physiology from the University of New England and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
She said the guiding principle of her career had always been getting innovation from the lab to the paddock.
“My career has been driven by a simple principle: agricultural innovation only matters if it reaches the paddock faster, performs under pressure, and creates value for growers,” Dr Pengilley said.
“CRDC is the engine room of that work for the cotton industry, and I am privileged to be the next person to lead it.
“Every dollar invested in research must deliver real, measurable outcomes on the ground — that is, and will continue to be, CRDC’s mission.”
Dr Pengilley said she was looking forward to bringing broader agricultural experience to the role.
“The challenges growers face around productivity, sustainability and profitability are not unique to cotton, and I’m excited to bring fresh eyes and broader agricultural experience to a corporation already doing exceptional work.
“The strategic direction CRDC has set is one I believe in deeply, and I can’t wait to help drive it forward.”
Mr Haire also took the opportunity to pay tribute to outgoing Executive Director Allan Williams, who has led CRDC for the past 14 years.
“Allan grew up in the Australian cotton industry and has committed his career to it — the CRDC Board and Australia’s cotton growers are deeply grateful for his service,” Mr Haire said.
“Allan has dedicated over 30 years to leadership positions within key Australian and international cotton organisations — the Australian Cotton Growers Research Association, the then Cotton Consultants Australia (now Crop Consultants Australia), the Better Cotton Initiative, and, for the past 14 years, CRDC.
“The foundations he has laid position CRDC, our growers, and Georgina at the helm for an exciting next chapter.”
Mr Haire said the board was particularly grateful for the notice Mr Williams had given ahead of his departure.
“We would particularly like to acknowledge the long lead time Allan provided regarding his decision to step down from the role, which gave the CRDC Board time to plan thoughtfully for the future and to support a smooth and well-managed transition from Allan’s leadership to Georgina’s.”
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