Mr McGauchie will commence his new role after the May 19 annual general meeting, where his confirmation as a director will be sought.

"While the recent years have presented the company with difficult challenges, I know the company has a solid future as a leader in Australian agribusiness," Mr McGauchie said.

He fills a casual vacancy on the board of directors created by the retirement of Central Queensland cattleman Peter Hughes.

Current AAco chairman Nick Burton-Taylor said Mr McGauchie's international exeperience in agribusiness had equipped him to lead the company as it pursues a new business strategy under chief executive David Farley.

"I have been full briefed on the recent strategic review at AAco, including the new initiatives in cattle marketing, beef processing, and cattle breeding programs," Mr McGauchie said.

"I fully support the strategic direction the company is taking."

Mr Burton-Taylor praised Mr McGauchie's "strong connection to rural Australia", saying his "wide-ranging business experience" would be of enormous benefit to the company.

"His leadership attributes fit well with the company's ambitions to strongly reflect the restoration of value to all shareholders," he said.

According to a statement to the Australia Securities Exchange, it is the board's intention that Mr McGauchie take on the chairmanship after three months as a director.

"The board is now well balanced with an independent chairman, majority of independent non-executive directors and after the recent appointment of Datuk Abdul Samad, enjoys representation from each of the larger shareholders who individually offer different commercial strategic opportunities for the company to develop," Mr Burton-Taylor said.