Tanya Barden, CEO of the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC), has stepped down immediately following a “mutually agreed separation”.
Barden has been with the organisation for more than 12 years, serving as CEO for over seven. Anthony Holme, Chairman of the AFGC, praised her leadership, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as her role in shaping the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct and advancing the importance of food and grocery manufacturing in Australia.
“Tanya has been a staunch and very effective advocate for our industry,” Holme said. “She and her team have also been instrumental in designing and leading the National Plastics Recycling Scheme, now Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia – a legacy-building initiative.”
He thanked Barden for her leadership and wished her well for the future. She plans to take a break before considering her next career move.
AFGC Chief Operating Officer Colm Maguire will serve as Interim CEO while the organisation searches for a permanent replacement. Holme said Maguire’s industry experience would ensure continuity during the transition.
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