Simon Hill

Bachelor Applied Science (Agriculture), Class of 1989–91

From Yorke Peninsula to Roseworthy College, East Africa, China and New York! Simon Hill has traveled the world leading an exciting career of Agribusiness and other cutting-edge ventures. Simon spent his childhood growing up on his family farm near Ardrossan on the Yorke Peninsula. Following graduation from Roseworthy College, Simon's first 10 years was spent in various agronomic sales and management roles throughout South Australia, including Dermody's IAMA, J.T.Johnson & Sons and CropCare, while simultaneously juggling a League Football career with North Adelaide in the city.

"After many miles and injuries, I felt it was time for a change, and on re-connecting with former Aggie classmate, Drew Kluska, the opportunity emerged to take a role as sales and marketing manager for a wine importer based in Nairobi, Kenya. After 2 crazy years selling wine in East Africa, I was offered an opportunity to manage a five-star tented safari camp in Kenya's Maasai Mara. The six months spent running Rekero Camp was a life altering experience."

Following his Kenyan adventure, Simon returned to Adelaide and initially landed at ABB Grain running the Container Trading division. He then jumped to World Cooperage Company, a US based barrel manufacturer, where he managed wine barrel sales throughout wine regions of Australia, New Zealand and China. After many visits to the USA, he took a leap and moved to New York! Thirteen years on he has three fabulous kids and things are very different from back home on the farm!

"Since moving to New York I have been a public servant, leading AUSTRADE'S USA technology team; an entrepreneur, establishing and growing a sports digital media start-up SPORTTU; and a CEO, co-founding Hoist Strategic, an international business advisory and acquisition search firm."

What was Simon's fondest memory while studying at Roseworthy?
"Many of my fondest memories from my time at Roseworthy happened in and around House 10, and by 'around' House 10, I mean the Tavern. Fun times and great friendships. Come to think of it, all of the experiences and roles I mention above hold some connection with my Roseworthy Alumni, and that even includes a couple of Nat-Rats and Wino's!"