Carrie Starkings steps down after 14 months at the head of industry body
Summerfruit Australia (SAL) has announced the appointment of Katherine Faull and its new CEO, joining the industry body with deep sector experience, a strong record of industry leadership, and a commitment to supporting growers and strengthening Australian horticulture.
Faull takes the place of outgoing CEO Carrie Starkings, who stepped down from the role effective 29 May 2026 after 14 months in the role.
Starkings will work with Faull on handover activities and will remain engaged with SAL in a consulting capacity to support continuity where required.
The SAL board thanked Carrie for her leadership in strengthening governance, auditing discipline, data capability and financial preparation, which stabilised the organisation and positioned SAL for its next phase of growth.
“We are confident Katherine will build on our momentum and lead SAL toward its strategic goals. Her combination of on-farm experience, sector advocacy and executive leadership makes her exceptionally well placed to support growers and grow market opportunities for summerfruit producers,” SAL chairperson Dean Morpeth.
Faull has a horticultural background and operates a truffle farm in South Australia, bringing practical on-farm experience and an understanding of grower needs.
She has held roles including president and chair of the Australian Truffle Industry Association, where she provided CEO-level leadership in strategy, governance and national advocacy. Faull represented growers in state and federal policy discussions and led initiatives to strengthen industry resilience and market opportunities.
“I am honoured to join Summerfruit Australia and look forward to working with growers, industry partners and government to strengthen capability, resilience and market access for Australian summerfruit,” said Faull.
