Pure Foods Tasmania (PFT) has appointed Robert (Rob) Knight as CEO and managing director, effective 1 July. He takes over from Malcolm McAully, who has led the company as executive chairman since the resignation of former CEO Michael Cooper in July 2024.
McAully will remain on the board as non-executive chairman, providing ongoing leadership, governance oversight and continuity as the company progresses through its next phase.
“I took on the role of executive chairman as an interim appointment to address key turnaround initiatives that have been in place since late 2024,” said McAully.
“It was never my intention to remain in the role indefinitely and the board has been considering a number of transition options. However, having worked with Rob closely now for going on two years, the board is unanimous in its support for this appointment.
“Robert has demonstrated a deep commitment to Pure Foods Tasmania and has been closely involved in the company’s strategic and operational reset. His alignment as a major shareholder, director and now chief executive officer and managing director provides a strong foundation for the next stage of the company’s development,” he said.
PFT has undertaken a period of restructuring and business realignment in recent years. The company made three acquisitions in the early 2020s – Daly Potato Co. in 2020, Lauds Plant Based Foods (sold in 2024) and The Cashew Creamery in 2021 – but spent several years attempting to reduce debt and make the business more profitable.
Last November, PFT acquired premium ice cream brand, Elato, looking to restructure its frozen desserts portfolio and establish a new multi-brand ice cream division. The company also made a $300,000 deal in April to acquire the assets of premium seafood brand, Brilliant Food Australia (BFA).
The company’s 1H26 results showed restructuring and cost discipline was beginning to stabilise the business, with improved margins, expanding retail distribution and several months of positive operating cashflow.
Knight has a background in business ownership, capital markets, operational improvement and listed company governance, with practical experience across business growth, restructuring, commercial execution and stakeholder management.
He was appointed as a director of PFT in October 2024, and is the company’s largest shareholder. The company stated he has played an active role in the operational and strategic direction of the business since joining the board, and relocated to Hobart from Melbourne last June to take up the role of sales and marketing director. Since that time, he has played a central role in a number of key commercial and strategic initiatives across the business.
“I am grateful for the strong board support and opportunity to lead Pure Foods Tasmania,” said Knight.
“I originally returned to Tasmania because I believe strongly in the underlying potential of this business, its brands, its people and its position as a Tasmanian food company with national and international growth opportunities.
“Over the past year we have made progress across customer growth, product relaunches and strategic acquisitions, but there is still significant work ahead. I look forward to working closely with the board, staff, customers, suppliers and shareholders as we enter this next phase,” he said.
A salary package of $200,000 per annum has been agreed, with the company stating it aligns with current market benchmarks.
