Viterra took over Aussie grains giant ABB earlier in the year.

Mr Schmidt has been named chief executive of the year by Canadian Business Magazine.

Candidates for the award are evaluated based on specific performance metrics including annualised shareholder return, annual growth rate and corporate net income.

The ABB acquisition was a key plank in Mr Schmidt’s vision for the company and played a large part in his win in the awards.

He was talked up by his chairman, Thoma Birks.

"Since his arrival at Viterra in 2000, Mayo has shown extraordinary vision and leadership," Mr Birks said.

"His strategic and disciplined approach has positioned Viterra as a leader in shaping the future of agriculture and expanding Viterra's reach in North America and around the world."