The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has appointed its first independent chair, Bernie Brookes. Brookes starts immediately and brings more than four decades of executive and board level experience in retail and consumer goods in Australia and internationally.
AFGC CEO, Colm Maguire, said Brookes’ deep understanding of retail operations, supply chain management, and consumer engagement would be invaluable in guiding the AFGC through a period of transformation and growth.
“The appointment of an independent chair to the board of directors marks a positive step forward in strengthening the governance of the AFGC, ensuring objective leadership, enhancing transparency, and reinforcing trust among members, industry partners, and the broader community,” Maguire said.
Brookes has held senior leadership roles including CEO of Myer Australia and Edcon in South Africa, and executive director at Woolworths Australia.
He is currently chair of Direct Group (Innovations and TVSN), and Renuon Renewable Energy. He has previously sat on the boards of First Unity, Salvation Army Australia, and Funtastic. Brookes has also served on the World Retail Congress advisory board and was its founding judge, in addition to patron of the Joe Berry Memorial Award and induction into the Australian Retail Hall of Fame.
Maguire said, “Bernie’s leadership and strategic insight will be instrumental in advancing the Council’s mission to support a thriving, competitive, and sustainable food and grocery sector. His experience across retail and governance makes him uniquely positioned to lead the board at a time of significant industry evolution.”
Brookes said he was honoured to be appointed chair in an industry he has been associated with for more than 50 years.
“The foundations established by the current chair and board are strong. I plan to continue that work and focus. I am confident that I can contribute to the AFGC with a focus on the key issues facing the industry such as energy availability and cost, transportation, workforce shortages, automation and AI while developing a collaborative association between retailers, wholesalers and the supplier base of the sector,” Brookes said.
“The AFGC is well-positioned to work collaboratively with retailers to guarantee access to a wide range of high-quality product. With the cost-of-living pressures and local and geopolitical uncertainty it is important that a strong industry representation exists to manoeuvre the industry through uncertain supply lines, through economic uncertainty while developing with a focus of technology, productivity and sustainability.
“The food and grocery sector is a cornerstone of Australia’s economy and community wellbeing. I look forward to working with the board and AFGC members to support innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth across the industry,” he said.
The AFGC thanked outgoing Chair Anthony Holme for his dedicated service and leadership and said it looked forward to his continued contribution as a member of the Board.
