The Australian Macadamia Society (AMS) board has announced the appointment of Clare Hamilton-Bate to the role of chief executive officer.

Ms Hamilton-Bate comes to the AMS with a background in horticultural science, and extensive experience in executive roles in all sectors of horticulture, from farm to consumer, as well as industry and association management in the UK, Australia and internationally.

AMS chair, Craig Mills said Ms Hamilton-Bate is a passionate, accomplished, and engaging leader who will bring significant insight and a wealth of experience to the role.

“Ms Hamilton-Bate has over 30 years’ experience across all sectors of the fresh produce and agri-food supply chain, and a proven track record in leading member-driven organisations. She is well equipped to lead our industry into a sustainable and profitable future,” Mr Mills said.

“As CEO of Freshcare from 2002 to 2019, Clare transformed it to a profitable, 5000+member, internationally recognised, compliance organisation. With this experience, Clare is acknowledged as an authority on delivering practical, industry-focussed solutions to meet both market and legislative needs.

“Her strong relationships with industry stakeholders including growers, government, Hort Innovation and other horticulture industries will enable her to advocate for and improve outcomes for our members.

Over the last three years, Ms Hamilton-Bate has worked with Manbulloo, Australia’s leading producer of Kensington Pride mangoes, supporting the business in both a strategic and operational capacity across all aspects of system compliance and technical management, from farm to retail customer.

She also spent time consulting to various industry and government organisations, in the mango-free months of the year.

Ms Hamilton-Bate said she wais excited to join the AMS and keen to engage with AMS members as soon as possible.

“I’m really looking forward to using my skills and experience to deliver against the diverse requirements of the role, to being part of an expanding, changing and innovative industry, and to ensuring the needs of all our members are at the forefront of everything we do.

“These are both exciting and challenging times for the macadamia industry, but with that comes the opportunity to review, prioritise and shape our future both domestically and on a global stage.”

Whilst Hamilton-Bate does not officially take over the reins from retiring CEO Jolyon Burnett until 29 August, she has been attending all the AMS grower ‘MacGroup’ events in all major growing regions recently as an opportunity to meet as many members as possible.