Leadership Team

Ron McCalman

Chief Executive Officer

Ron commenced at Murray Irrigation in June 2022 and has significant and diverse experience within the Australian agricultural sector including leadership roles with supply chain, commodity, corporate farming, and finance businesses both publicly listed and multinational. Ron has a passion for building aligned teams who have clarity on the strategic direction of the business and are empowered to deliver value for customers and shareholders while ensuring all staff operate in a safe and sustainable manner. With a strong focus on business improvement, ESG and value creation, Ron holds a EMBA from the University of Sydney and is a graduate of the AICD.

Scott Barlow

General Manager Operations

Scott commenced at Murray Irrigation in April 1996. He holds significant and diverse experience within the bulk irrigation industry. With a background in both irrigated and mixed dryland farming, and experience in the forestry and agricultural sectors prior to commencing with Murray Irrigation, he has played a large role in the water efficiency and operational development of the Murray Irrigation gravity supply network. Scott has an Associate Diploma in Applied Science.

Rob Kotkin-Smith

General Manager Finance

Rob commenced with Murray Irrigation in October 2014. Rob holds a Bachelor of Accountant degree, a Master of Business Leadership, and is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA Australia). He has a background in Corporate Finance and Project Accounting.

Rob has a passion for project accounting having worked in the construction industry in South Africa, as well on large alliance projects in utilities (water), rail and defence in Australia. Rob was senior project accountant on the Murray Irrigation PIIOP Round 2 & 3 projects. Rob believes in adding value, growing teams, and sharing knowledge.

Will Crammond

Company Secretary and Legal Counsel

Will commenced at Murray Irrigation in February 2025 and was appointed as the Company Secretary in May 2025. Will holds bachelors degrees in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, and well as Law (Honours) from the Australian National University, while also currently pursuing a Masters degree in International Economic Development. The majority of Will's professional experience is focused on corporate, commercial and transaction law, but also includes higher-level strategic planning, implementation and project design and delivery. Core focuses include the continual improvement of businesses, value generation and strategic alignment for the benefit of all key stakeholders.

Ben Malden

General Manager – Corporate Strategy

Ben commenced at Murray Irrigation in August 2025 as the General Manager - Corporate Strategy, having previously worked for the company between September 2022 and February 2024. Ben holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Farm Management from the Royal Agricultural University in the UK and has diversified farming experience with family and corporate operations across three continents. Outside of farming and irrigation, Ben's experience extends to financial and strategic planning, ESG focused investment and business diversification. At Murray Irrigation, he is responsible for non-core business projects, strategic direction and commercial relationships.