This is an official release from Coffee Industry Corporation Limited (CICL) announcing the election of Mr Patrick Komba as new Chairman of its Board of Directors.
Mr Komba was unanimously elected in a Special General Meeting of the Board of Directors held in Port Moresby on Wednesday 20th December, 2017.
Mr Komba takes over from outgoing chairman Mr Joseph Kom.
The new chairman called on all Board Members to forgo personal interest and focus on serving the interest of between 3 and 4 million growers and all stakeholders in the coffee value chain including processors and exporters.
The Secretary for Department of Agriculture & Livestock Dr Vele Pat Illa’ava speaking on behalf of government representatives on the CICL Board welcomed the election of Mr Komba.
The Chief Executive Officer Mr Charles Dambui said the staff and management of CIC will continue to provide reliable advice and guidance to the incoming Chairman and Board of Directors.
Both the CEO and DAL Secretary also acknowledged the outgoing chairman for leading the inaugural board since December, 2016.
Mr Komba is not a stranger to the coffee industry. He has been a coffee farmer since and a successful entrepreneur. He is also a lead partner of CIC’s Productive Partnerships in Agriculture Project (PPAP) serving 804 farmers under the coffee rehabilitation project.
Mr Komba is a former CICL Board chairman who also serves on other statutory boards. He is well versed in the socio-economics, politics and cultural dynamics of various industries in the agriculture sector.
He brings a wealth of experience with a track record of competent and accountable leadership to the Coffee Board to drive the agriculture sector as per Alotau Accord 2.
Mr Komba is the Director representing smallholder coffee growers in Enga and others (New Ireland and East New Britain) on the Coffee Industry Board.
The former chairman will continue to serve as a director on the CICL Board representing Simbu Smallholder Coffee Growers Association.
