AWN Built on strong client relationships, a commitment to diverse service offerings across Livestock, Wool and Property, and respected local industry leadership, AWN South Australia is entering a significant new chapter. This transition marks the retirement of industry icon, Rod Miller, and the appointment of emerging leader, Tom Simmons, as the new State Manager.
Rod Miller: A 50-Year Legacy of Integrity
After 13 years with AWN and 50 years in the industry, Rod Miller has begun the transition to retirement. He will formally conclude his role as State Manager – South Australia in November.
Rod has been a stalwart of the industry, known for his professionalism, integrity, and statesman-like presence (and white coat). His extensive background, supported by an MBA and advanced studies in risk management, enabled him to navigate major industry transitions with expertise and foresight.
Rod’s career milestones include earning his Professional wool classer stencil on which to base his Wool Broking career with a passion for the fibre. Becoming an Auctioneer deepened his understanding of the importance of connecting demand, supply, growers, and wool classers in a truly circular manner.
He witnessed the closure of the Port Adelaide auctions and played an active role in managing the wool stockpile storage and sell-down during the nineties in Geelong, Brisbane, and Sydney. Among his proudest achievements are fostering multi-generational client relationships since 1976, mentoring Jared Phillips to finalist in the NCWSBA Young Wool Broker award, and developing the successful Kangaroo Island DNA knitwear brand.
To ensure continuity, Rod will continue contributing in a part-time client advisory role, providing research and insights on global developments influencing commodity markets.
Tom Simmons: Innovative Leadership and Local Roots
AWN is pleased to announce the promotion of Tom Simmons as the new State Manager – South Australia. Rod fully supports Tom, recognising his professional drive and strong local and global perspective.
Tom, originally from a family farm at Meningie and a Marcus Oldham graduate, Tom brings practical, hands-on experience across the agricultural sector. His background includes working at feedlots and Queensland cattle stations, completing the Farm Business Management course, and spending a pivotal 12 months at Jigsaw Farms.
Since joining AWN in 2023, he has rapidly expanded his expertise across all aspects of the broker role. He is also actively involved in the wider industry as a non-executive director of The Wheen Bee Foundation and a member of the Sheep Producers Australia Policy Council. Tom’s approach is defined by innovative use of data. He plans to leverage the industry’s abundant, yet often under-utilised, data to inform optimal marketing strategies and achieve the best financial outcomes for growers across all divisions.
Tom identifies the biggest challenge as the combination of rising production costs and low returns, emphasising that AWN will support clients by maintaining low operational costs while striving for the best possible prices. Either in the auction room or through direct supply agreements with brands.
Building on Rod Miller’s exceptional legacy and under the forward-thinking leadership of Tom Simmons, AWN is set to drive the growth and success of its integrated Wool, Livestock, and Property business in South Australia.
For more information, contact Tom or Rod directly
Tom Simmons
State Manager SA
tsimmons@awn.net
0447 123 408
Rod Miller
Wool Market Advisor
rmiller@awn.net
0428 256 495
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