Mr Clive Stiff has been announced as the new chairman of the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC).
Mr Stiff is currently the CEO of Unilever Australia and New Zealand but is taking up the new position with the AFGC following the retirement of Terry O’Brien who served on the AFGC Board for seventeen years, including the last five as Chairman.
Mr Stiff said the industry is facing challenging times but that food manufacturers are remaining optimistic about the future of Australian retail.
“There has never been a more important time for the food and grocery manufacturing sector to maintain a strong voice. Industry priorities include contributing to the health and wellness of the community and environment; regulatory reform to reduce compliance costs; improving the competitiveness of Australian manufacturing; and ensuring fair negotiations with retailers,” he said.
Mr Stiff brings 30 years of industry experience to the position having already worked for a broad range of companies in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.
AFCG CEO Tanya Barden said it was great to have someone with someone with so much industry knowledge who will assist AFGC take up important challenges and strengthen the operating environment.
“I would also like to thank Terry O’Brien for his impressive leadership of the AFGC Board. Mr O’Brien has been a fantastic advocate for all facets of our industry,” she said.
“Under his direction, the AFGC has played a key role in the development of a range of proactive whole of industry initiatives and increased the diversity of the AFGC Board, including greater small business representation.”
Mr O’Brien said it had been a privilege to lead the AFGC.
“Food and grocery manufacturers supply the essentials of life that every Australian family needs, every day of the year. This is a vital industry for the health of our economy and our community,” he said.
“I have enjoyed the role of Chairman immensely and I am very pleased to be handing over to someone as talented and committed as Clive Stiff – a true leader of our industry.”