Australian banana industry peak body the Australian Banana Growers' Council (ABGC) has appointed Jonathan Eccles as its new chief executive officer from 1 February.
ABGC president Cameron MacKay said Mr Eccles is an experienced horticulture industry professional with a background in production and supply chains, research and development, and promotions management.
'Jonathan is linked into the horticultural network and understands the workings of groups such as Horticulture Australia Limited and Plant Health Australia, in addition to having corporate governance and consultancy experience,' Mr MacKay said.
'We welcome Jonathan to the role and are confident that he will continue to lead the industry in the same professional manner as our departing CEO Tony Heidrich.
'The focused and strategic leadership provided by Tony during the past eight years has been integral to the ongoing strength and success of our A$400m industry spread across Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland.'
In recent years the ABGC has been involved in significant changes to the Australian banana industry.
It oversaw the introduction of a national growers levy and overcame challenges like the black Sigatoka leaf disease outbreak in Tully and the devastation caused by Cyclone Larry.
Mr Eccles said he is excited to be joining the banana industry at a time when the national levy means it is well positioned to undertake research and development programs.
'Bananas are Australia's number one fruit and as an avid consumer myself, I come to this role as a big believer in the product,' Mr Eccles said.
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