The chair of Food & Agribusiness Network (FAN), Jacqui Price, is stepping down and passing the baton to businessman David Hoath. Price was appointed to the board in 2017 and is FAN’s longest serving director.
Under Price’s leadership, FAN was restructured, allowing its operating model to be rolled out regionally across the Sunshine Coast, Gympie, Noosa and Moreton Bay.
Appointed to the role of chair in November 2020, Price said the organisation had helped products created in the region become globally recognised and respected.
“By creating a connected, collaborative community, we were able to curate specific programs that have helped many of our members grow and scale and to be ready when buyers have come looking for bespoke, Queensland made products and produce.
“Importantly, people from all over the world now know of and desire products that are created in our region. We really have cemented our place as a food destination, and I am incredibly proud of that.
“The timing is right for me to hand the reins over to someone who will continue to grow our vision and further expand upon the export capabilities that exist for our food producers while also building upon the food tourism opportunities that the region is becoming known for,” Price said.
Taking the helm as new chair is David Hoath, a business leader with extensive experience in change management, government, and media relations.
“David has many years of experience leading high-performing teams through significant change management all while fostering a culture of excellence and delivering profitable and successful outcomes.
“His appointment reflects FAN’s commitment to attracting and retaining a dynamic and experienced skills based board in order to maintain our prominent position in the industry,” Price said.
Hoath will take on the role following FAN’s AGM in November.
“I have long admired the work being done by FAN in the food and agribusiness space, and their unwavering commitment to collaboration, excellence and innovation. I wish to thank outgoing chair Jacqui Price for her many years of dedication to FAN and I look forward to working closely with the team to further capitalise on opportunities, drive sustainable growth, and deliver exceptional value to our members,” said Hoath.
