Theunis Smit (Phd) Email & Phone Number

Australia

As the Founder and Lead of OmenAg, I spearhead the company's mission to revolutionize sustainable agriculture through science and innovation. My role encompasses a diverse range of responsibilities, reflecting my deep commitment to both the environmental cause and business excellence.

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Responsibilities:Directed all operational and business activities of Carbon Friendly, ensuring alignment with the company's strategic vision and goals.Orchestrated budget development, income forecasting, and diligently monitored financial outcomes, ensuring alignment with predetermined targets.Enhanced client relationships, guaranteeing elevated levels of satisfaction and retention.Championed the strategic planning process, setting and achieving both short and long-term milestones, particularly in carbon reduction.Managed the GHG Assessment team, ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of assessments.Piloted the formulation of carbon projects tailored for the voluntary carbon market while adhering to requisite regulations.Sought and capitalized on growth opportunities, expanding Carbon Friendly's services and clientele through strategic business development initiatives.Impact:Streamlined company operations, aligning them more closely with Carbon Friendly's strategic mission, resulting in increased efficiency and productivity.Delivered consistent financial performance by effectively managing budgets and financial forecasting, ensuring the company met or exceeded financial targets.Fostered increased client retention and satisfaction through dedicated relationship management.Drove Carbon Friendly's commitment to carbon reduction, achieving both short and long-term goals and positioning the company as a leader in carbon reduction initiatives.Expanded the company's client base and service offerings through effective growth and business development strategies.

Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia

Responsibilities:Oversaw operations of extensive horticultural ventures (>5000 ha) encompassing daily management, financial strategy, agronomy, food safety, and logistics.Analyzed a broad spectrum of data, including financial metrics, agricultural chemical usage, fertilizer application, and irrigation across different farming zones.Conducted field trials aiming to boost both the production rate and quality of macadamias.Advised senior management, including General Manager and Zone Managers, on best practices to enhance productivity.Researched on multiple fronts such as cultivation techniques, environmental factors, and their effects on Macadamia trees, leading to innovative solutions in agricultural challenges.Pioneered development tasks on greenfield sites, encompassing everything from irrigation design to orchard layout.Mentored on-site agronomists, recommended optimal agricultural chemical products across sites, and managed resources for the company's holistic benefit.Impact:Elevated macadamia production standards across diverse farming environments, establishing a high benchmark in horticultural processes.Spearheaded field-based trials, resulting in enhanced macadamia production and quality.Innovated new systems for irrigation, setting a new paradigm in sustainable farming practices for Macadamia trees.Played a pivotal role in greenfield site development, ensuring efficient and optimized land use for Macadamia cultivation.

South Africa

Responsibilities:Directed a horticultural consulting business centered on macadamia innovation, cultivating best practices and enhancing the accessibility of information to growers through diverse platforms.Managed financial elements, including the creation of budgets, monitoring of expenses, and handling of accounts, bookkeeping, invoicing, and reconciliation.Drove enhancements in nut quality and orchard productivity through hands-on technical assistance and research.Deployed on-farm training modules focusing on scouting, pest identification, and pruning, ensuring growers are up-to-date with the latest macadamia industry trends.Oversaw administrative duties, emphasizing accurate data capture, adherence to systems, and a comprehensive understanding of company processes for optimal governance.Impact:Achieved notable improvements in macadamia nut quality and orchard productivity through tailored consulting services.Facilitated cutting-edge research and demo trials, leading to tangible yield improvements for participating growers.Streamlined operational processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial record-keeping and adherence to standardized systems and procedures.

South Africa

Responsibilities:Led and streamlined factory operations across multiple macadamia processing plants in Mpumalanga and Kwa-Zulu Natal, focusing on efficiency and food safety standards.Directed scientific field research and demo trials prioritizing both company and grower objectives, which resulted in improved nut quality and productivity.Coordinated financial management efforts, assisting in budget compilation and monitoring expenditure deviations.Established effective communication bridges between Mayo Macs shareholder growers, external suppliers, and global traders to keep all parties informed and aligned.Impact:Enhanced sound kernel quality and increased orchard productivity, attracting more growers to join Mayo Macs SA.Reduced factory wastage and upgraded international food safety standards in processing plants.Implemented risk management strategies that ensured the health and safety of all employees and mitigated potential challenges.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Horticultural Science

Master Of Science - Ms, Agronomy And Crop Science

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Plant And Soil Science