The International Fresh Produce Association Australia–New Zealand (IFPA A-NZ) has welcomed three senior industry leaders to its board of directors following member elections announced at the association’s Annual General Meeting on 14 May.
The appointments are designed to further strengthen the organisation’s leadership across the fresh produce and floral supply chain, bringing together expertise spanning retail, production, technology, category management and international market development.
The newly elected directors are:
- Christian Parsons, chief operating officer of Costa Group
- Kenneth (Kenny) MacLeod, business category manager for veg, salad and value-add at Coles Group
- Matthew Atley, head of fruit and veg and bakery buying teams of ALDI stores.
IFPA A-NZ chair Dean Gall said the appointments reflected the increasing importance of collaborative leadership as the industry navigated an increasingly complex and globally connected operating environment.
“Robust governance and diverse industry representation are critical as we navigate evolving challenges and opportunities across supply chains, labour, sustainability, technology and consumer demand,” Gall said.
“We are fortunate to have directors who bring deep operational knowledge, strategic capability and solid industry relationships from across the fresh produce and floral ecosystem.
“As our industry becomes increasingly globally connected, it is important our board reflects both local knowledge and an international lens across retail, supply chains, consumer trends and market dynamics.”
IFPA A-NZ managing director Belinda Wilson said the organisation’s continued growth was underpinned by member engagement and aligned industry leadership.
“Our board remains focused on strengthening the operating environment for members while continuing to champion fresh produce as essential to health, wellbeing, sustainability and economic prosperity.”