Our Board and People

Alison Stone (Chair)

Alison Stone possesses extensive expertise in shaping the strategic direction of policies, regulations, and operational businesses within primary industries, land management and emergency response. With a profound commitment to collaborating with regional communities, she has held senior executive positions in the Victorian, Federal and NSW Governments, and is a distinguished graduate of the Institute of Company Directors.

Alison has a remarkable track record of accomplishments, demonstrating effective leadership and service on various government boards and advisory councils. Beyond her professional roles, she actively contributes to her local community as a dedicated volunteer. Notably, she served as the president for Riding for the Disabled in the lower Hunter region of NSW.

Mark Wray (Deputy Chair)

Mark is a seasoned agribusiness executive with a remarkable history in managing vertical supply chains for chicken, pork, beef, lamb, and seafood. His insights into contemporary agribusiness are shaped by his prior roles as the chairman of Arcadian Organic Meat, CEO and CFO of Craig Mostyn Group and CFO of Steggles.

Mark’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from Adelaide University in 1983. In 1999, he was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of NSW, showcasing a diverse skill set. Currently, Mark holds the title of Fellow of the Australia Society of Certified Practising Accountants and is a member of the AICD (Australian Institute of Company Directors). His extensive experience and professional affiliations underscore his expertise in agribusiness management and financial stewardship.

Kate Clarke

Dr. Kate Clarke is a highly qualified professional with expertise in veterinary science, strategic business management, governance and regulation. She has a diverse background, including primary production, 23 years as a clinical veterinarian in regional Victoria and the UK, as well as managing small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Kate is also involved in establishing, enabling, and monitoring veterinary professional standards.

With a Master of Business Administration under her belt, Kate is an alumna of the Homeward Bound program and a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Committed to making a positive impact on human and animal health and wellbeing, she brings demonstrated skills in strategic planning, human resource management, consumer behavior, stakeholder communications and policy development to her work in business consultancy. Kate has taken on significant roles at the state and national levels, serving as deputy president of the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria, policy councillor for the Australian Veterinary Association’s Veterinary Business Group, founding director of Sustainable Veterinary Careers NFP, and member of the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council’s Sustainable Practice Committee.

Paul Conway

Paul holds the position of secretary at the Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union (AMIEU) and serves as the vice president of the federal body of the AMIEU, in addition to being a federal council member. He is also a council delegate at the Geelong Trades Hall. Paul boasts an extensive career in the meat industry, dating back to 1980. He is recognised as a certified training provider, offering Union Good Governance Training to representatives of the Victorian AMIEU Committee of Management.

Furthermore, Paul takes on the role of secretary for the Meat Industry Employees’ Superannuation Fund. His dedication and involvement in various leadership positions underscore his commitment to the interests and welfare of workers in the meat industry.

Marion Healy

Marion has a wealth of experience in leadership, having held senior executive positions in national agencies focusing on public health, environmental risks related to the food supply and industrial chemicals, as well as biosecurity risks associated with the international movement of plants and plant products. Her expertise extends to regulatory systems, with a special emphasis on the intersection of science and policy.

Marion has played a crucial role in representing Australia in the development of international regulatory frameworks, participating in APEC committees, and engaging in negotiations with counterparts from overseas. Her significant contributions to regulatory practices were acknowledged with the award of a Public Service Medal in 2021.

Beyond her regulatory work, Marion serves as the independent chair of the FRDC SafeFish Committee and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, showcasing her commitment to ensuring safety and best practices in various capacities.

James Kellaway

James is a seasoned agribusiness executive with a rich background in supply chains, regulation, stakeholder relations, business development, product marketing and research and development (R&D) investment. He has held leadership positions with various organisations, including the Australian Egg Corporation, where he served as managing director for 13 years. His experience also spans roles at Horticulture Australia, the former Australian Horticultural Corporation, Meat & Livestock Australia, the former Australian Meat & Livestock Corporation, and the former NSW Meat Industry Authority.

Currently, James holds the position of CEO at Oz Group Co-op Limited, Australia’s largest berry grower and supplier. In addition to his executive roles, he has served as a non-executive director of the Australian Livestock Export Corporation, the Australian Poultry Co-operative Research Centre (CRC), and as a board member of the International Egg Commission. James has also chaired the Livestock Biosecurity Network and is currently the chairman of the Export Fodder Industry Panel with Agrifutures.

James holds academic qualifications, including a Master of Business Administration, a Graduate Diploma in Marketing Management and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Agriculture. He is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a graduate of the Governance Institute and an associate fellow of the Australian Institute of Management. His extensive expertise and leadership roles underscore his dedication to the agricultural sector.

Noel Kelson

Noel has been a key player in the Australian meat processing sector since 1971, starting his career in government meat inspection and compliance. Between 1988 and 1994, he played a crucial role in the major changes taking place in the Victorian meat industry. This period marked the shift from direct regulatory control to a focus on achieving quality-assured outcomes.

In 1995, Noel transitioned from the public service to become the quality assurance manager for Midfield Meat International based in Warrnambool. During his tenure, he worked with the management team to secure export registration to 84 international destinations. This achievement, in addition to meeting strong domestic demand, allowed the company to supply beef and sheep meat products to global markets.

Over his impressive 50 year career, Noel has maintained a deep interest in industry matters. Currently, he serves as a board member of the Australian Meat Industry Council, a trustee director of the Australian Meat Industry Superannuation Trust and holds the elected position of director on the board of the Australian Meat Processor Corporation. Noel’s extensive experience and ongoing commitment highlight his significant contributions to the Australian meat processing sector.

Richard Norton

Richard is a seasoned CEO with an impressive academic background, holding a Master of Business Administration from Monash University, a GAICD from the International Directors Course and a Chartered Manager designation from the Institute of Leadership and Management in the UK. With over 30 years of executive experience, he has held leadership roles in various sectors, including retail, innovation, logistics, marketing and agribusiness.

For a decade, Richard served as CEO and managing director, showcasing his leadership prowess. Currently, he holds the position of CEO at Food Agility, as well as non-executive director roles at Australasian Global Exports. He has also contributed to the boards of Australian Independent Rural Retailers, Titan AG (a manufacturer of herbicides, fungicides and insecticides), AUS-MEAT Australia and AustionPlus.

Richard’s impressive career includes serving as the managing director of Landmark Operations, Meat and Livestock Australia and General Manager of Elders Retail. His wealth of experience, coupled with his diverse expertise, positions him as a valuable asset in the realms of agribusiness and executive leadership.

Renee Pearce

Renee has a recent background in owning and operating The Fish Shoppe, a sustainable seafood retail store in Collingwood and Balwyn. With a strong history in the fishery sector, she has worked at both state and federal levels, demonstrating her skills as an industry association executive. Renee has a proven track record of achievements, having served on government and industry boards and advisory committees.

With over 15 years of experience in the Australian seafood industry, she has held advocacy roles, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of various aspects, including policy development, seafood supply chains and sustainability.

Currently, Renee is a director at OceanWatch since 2019, contributing her expertise to the organisation. She also serves on the FRDC Fish Names Committee. Her academic qualifications include a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Marine and Freshwater Biology. Renee is recognised as a graduate of the Institute of Company Directors, showcasing her commitment to professional development and governance.

Mary Wu

Mary is a veterinarian with additional qualifications in public administration. She has a strong background in senior executive and board positions within national and state agencies related to agriculture and the red meat industry. Presently, Mary serves as the CEO of the Australian Chicken Meat Federation.

With a veterinary background, Mary brings a wealth of knowledge to her roles. She has extensive experience representing Australian livestock industries in both domestic and international forums, addressing various critical issues such as animal health, welfare, trade, regulatory reform, sustainability, research and development and workforce matters.

Currently, Mary holds the position of chair of Animal Health Australia’s Industry Forum, demonstrating her leadership in the field. In addition to her practical experience, Mary is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, showcasing her commitment to professional development in corporate governance.