The International Fresh Produce Association ANZ (IFPA ANZ) has appointed two prominent leaders from distinct sectors of the fresh produce and floral industry to its board.
The appointments of Lynch Group Australia chief executive David Di Pietro and Steritech fresh produce business manager Ben Reilly were announced at the IFPA ANZ’s annual general meeting hosted at its new office in East Melbourne on May 15.
Their appointments take immediate effect.
“The IFPA ANZ board reflects the strength and diversity of our industry, with leaders from across the supply chain. David Di Pietro and Ben Reilly bring a wealth of experience and industry leadership to the board, and I look forward to working with them to help guide the association," IFPA ANZ chair Dean Gall says.
Lynch Group chief executive and certified practising accountant, David joined Australia’s largest floral wholesaler in 2016 and has held senior executive roles across the Australian manufacturing, retail, and FMCG sectors with leading companies such as BHP, Woolworths, George Weston Foods, and Breville.
“I'm excited to join the IFPA ANZ board as a representative of the floral category and to support the broader fresh produce industry,” David says. “I'm looking forward to building strong connections across the industry and contributing my experience from a supplier and grower’s perspective,” he says.
Ben has led the development of phytosanitary irradiation in Australia for the past 10 years in his work with Steritech, the Asia-Pacific region’s largest contract sterilisation and decontamination processor and one of the largest worldwide.
He was an early participant in both the IFPA (formerly PMA) Foundation for industry talent and emerging leaders’ programs and has volunteered as a mentor and a committee member.
“IFPA is a unique organisation which unites the best of our global industry and welcomes participation from the entire supply chain. IFPA has had a constant presence in my career, and I’m honoured to join IFPA ANZ board,” Ben says.
“I look forward to drawing on my experience in developing phytosanitary irradiation to support IFPA’s leading role as a facilitator of relationships, technology and innovation in our industry,” he says.
