Tad Golonski bids farewell with retirement after 53 years

Incitec Pivot Limited (IPL) will say goodbye to its longest-serving employee, Tad Golonski, who is retiring after a remarkable 53-year career with the company.

Tad’s journey with IPL began over half a century ago when he joined Imperial Chemical Industries of Australia and New Zealand (ICIANZ) in Yarraville, Victoria, in 1970 as a Technical Inventory Clerk.

“I can’t believe how quickly it’s gone. I still remember walking into a dusty old office on my first day,” Tad said.

In 1985, Tad was promoted to the Senior Dispatch Clerk, when he was involved in the implementation of the Business Planning & Control Computer System (BPCS) and ten years later, was appointed Administration Manager covering the company’s Yarraville site.

“I was able to travel all over Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia training our customer service staff and agents. It was a great opportunity to meet people and visit some incredible farms. I loved it.”

As Master Data Controller for Incitec Pivot Fertilisers (IPF) since 2002 and Dyno Nobel Asia Pacific from 2005, Tad has played a key role in inventory management for decades.

Alan Dockery, Demand Planning Manager for IPF, has worked with Tad for the past 20 years.

“In a 53-year career with many highlights, Tad’s expertise and vast knowledge in the field have been instrumental in helping drive the company’s success,” Mr Dockery said.

“Tad is the king of data when it comes to our products and his integrity and accuracy are well recognised throughout the business.”

Don Briggs, VP of Supply Chain and Procurement mirrored Mr Dockery’s statements and congratulates Tad on a fantastic career.

“His work ethic and his reliability have been one of his mainstays. His can-do attitude and going the extra mile in helping people are certainly his trademarks.

“Tad will be sorely missed, and we wish him all the very best in retirement!”.

Paul Victor, IPL’s interim CEO, said he was in awe of Tad’s achievement.

“Having a career spanning 53 years with a single organisation is impressive,” Mr Victor said. “Those who work closely with Tad are incredibly complimentary about his attitude and work ethic, even after 53 years!

“On behalf of everyone at IPL, I want to say thank you and congratulations to Tad on what has been a remarkable career and best wishes for a long, happy and relaxing retirement.”

As for the future, Tad says he is simply looking forward to spending more time with his family.

“My younger brothers retired before me, and I’m looking forward to heading down to the local bowling club with them and spending more time with the grandkids and my sister.”

“When you’ve been around as long as me, you learn to appreciate what you have, how precious life is, and the importance of helping others, including your family.”

Tad’s last day is the 14 July, where friends and colleagues from across the company will celebrate his exceptional career at a special morning tea in Geelong.