Michael Coote will take over as CEO of Australian vegetable industry body AUSVEG from 1 July. He will succeed the role from outgoing CEO James Whiteside.
Coote has held the position of AUSVEG national manager – export development since 2014, and has led the industry’s export activities and strategy, as well as having a strong background in agriculture, government and networks across the supply chain.
AUSVEG chair Bill Bulmer said the Board was confident in the appointment of Coote to lead the industry body.
“Michael is the most qualified person for the role and will lead the organisation, and the industry more broadly, through the COVID-19 pandemic and lead a period of growth and prosperity in the years ahead,” said Bulmer.
“The AUSVEG Board undertook an independent recruitment process that identified several strong candidates, but Michael’s affinity to the industry, his deep understanding of how the industry operates, his networks across the supply chain and his vision for the future of the organisation and the broader industry make him the ideal person to lead AUSVEG for years to come.”
Bulmer said outgoing CEO Whiteside had been “a tremendous asset to AUSVEG”, ensuring the organisation had a key voice in government, as well as helping to grow industry event Hort Connections into a “leading event in Australian horticulture”.
Coote will begin his role as AUSVEG CEO from 1 July.
