PMA anz directors square

Damien Gibson Tomra Compac web

Damien Gibson

Produce Marketing Association Australia-New Zealand (PMA A-NZ) has announced Jo Minton-Connell, Damien Gibson, Jen Scoular and Richard Byllaardt will be joining the association’s board of directors.

The appointments, all of whom bring years of experience in fresh produce from across the supply chain, were confirmed at the PMA A-NZ annual general meeting on 19 November.

Jo Minton-Connell is currently the general manager human resources and communications of LaManna Premier Group and has over 20 years’ experience in human resources and the development of a high-performance culture.

Damien Gibson is regional manager Australia/New Zealand of Tomra Compac. With over 20 years’ experience in the industry, he brings his experience as a grower-packer-shipper to provide technology solutions across Australasia.

Jen Scoular is the current chief executive of NZ Avocado where she is responsible for developing and implementing a strategy to optimise profitability while growing a strong industry.

Richard Byllaardt is currently the export manager USA, Canada, UK and EU of Nutrano Group and co-owner of Sevenfields.

The appointment of these new directors comes after the resignation of Michael Franks, Michael O’Keeffe, Andrew Common and Rocky Tassone who retired from their positions throughout 2020.

Darren Keating, chief executive of PMA A-NZ, said the new directors would make excellent additions to an already experienced board.

“We’re excited to welcome the new director appointments to the board of directors. It’s going to give PMA A-NZ an absolute advantage having Jo, Damien, Jen and Richard join, given they all have such extensive careers across the supply chain for fresh produce,” Keating said.

“We already have a very talented and well-respected board of directors, who are all industry leaders in their own right, so these appointments will bolster our new direction and strategy. We’re thankful they have joined and are looking forward to their contributions.”