Brian Hayward doesn’t miss the politics, but he does miss the people.
The former chief executive officer of Agricore United, who left the company last June after it was taken over by Viterra, provides business advice through his consulting firm, Aldare Resources.
“It’s worked out beautifully. I didn’t want to go back to having a day-to-day job. I wanted to expose myself to a variety of different things and situations,” said Hayward, who was CEO of AU and its predecessors for 16 years.
Hayward now sells his knowledge and experience to clients in the financial sector, the automotive business and the agriculture industry. He advises his clients on topics such as corporate governance, negotiations and how to merge companies. He especially enjoys one aspect of his new role.
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“I’ve always liked teaching,” said Hayward, who mentioned that he recently led a seminar on negotiating in Vancouver.
He also sits on several boards and is chair of Ridley Inc., the Winnipeg-based feed manufacturer.
He maintains an office in downtown Winnipeg, where he works by himself. No longer officially part of the suit and tie world, Hayward wears jeans and a plaid shirt to work, but maintains a passion for business. When asked about Ridley Inc., he spoke for 10 minutes uninterrupted, providing a detailed history of the company.
The only downside of his new role is a lack of colleagues.
“I’m still in touch with agriculture, but what I miss is the people,” said Hayward, who managed 2,500 staff at AU.
In the what-he-doesn’t-miss category, Hayward said he grew tired of the endless background noise in the agriculture trade.
“I don’t miss the whole foo fah rah about whether the wheat board should be there or not,” he said.
