AU Australia Fresh Produce Group Mano Babiolakis

Mano Babiolakis has stepped down from his role as CEO of Australian importer-exporter Fresh Produce Group (FPG), but will stay with the company in a different position.

Since being appointed as FPG’s CEO in June 2010, Mr Babiolakis had been commuting between Geelong and Sydney each week, a situation which he felt was unsustainable, announced the company.

“Together we have been working through a number of options on how best to ensure that we remain committed to our growth plans and business partnerships whilst taking into account the difficulty in trying to live in two cities,” explained FPG’s executive chairman Robert Nugan.

“On that basis, Mano will concentrate on specific projects that FPG has been working on, both in Australia and internationally. To this end, he will step down as CEO, however will remain on the board and a full time employee of FPG.”

Mr Nugan will take on Mr Babiolakis’ duties in the day-to-day running of the business, he said, and the two will continue to work closely on strategic planning.

Mr Babiolakis has a long history in the Australian fresh produce business, having previously been the CEO of CostaExchange and Chiquita Brands South Pacific from 2002 until early 2010.