By Penelope Barker
Olive Oil Times Contributor | Reporting from Sydney
Testament to the continuing growth and maturity of the Australian olive oil industry, the Australian Olive Association has announced that it has appointed Lisa Rowntree as its first CEO. Ms Rowntree, of Longridge Olives in Coonalpyn, South Australia, is well known to many in the industry and was appointed after an extensive process during which over 30 applicants were considered for the position.
Says AOA President, Paul Miller, “We are thrilled that Lisa Rowntree has decided to combine her extensive olive industry experience with her business and
administrative skills to make a career move that we are sure will benefit all in the Australian olive industry. Lisa’s strong track record as a leader of the industry in South Australia, her experience in running the family business, as well as her highly effective activities as an AOA Board member all contributed to her successful appointment from a very strong field of applicants.”
Miller continued, “The new appointment came about after the AOA conducted an extensive review of the administrative needs of the Board, its committees and its members in order to work out how best to meet these needs. It was decided that, as the national body, we needed to be more strategic in our thinking and with a higher degree of accountability. The industry in Australia has grown to the point that it needs to have dedicated paid staff to help achieve the outcomes we desire without over-taxing the volunteer Directors. The Board of the AOA, which is made up of state-elected Directors and representatives of the large enterprise group, will continue to set the direction for the industry in conjunction with the CEO.”
Paul Miller will continue in his role as President of the AOA and will work closely with the new CEO to ensure that the industry grows and prospers. With his wealth of industry knowledge and history with the AOA, he will also remain key spokesperson and leader of the AOA.
On her appointment as CEO, Lisa Rowntree remarked, “We have a good and sound Board of Directors and highly competent President and I am certain that we can achieve the goals of the industry and deal with the challenges ahead.”
Lisa Rowntree has resigned from several other roles, including President of Olives South Australia, in order to now take on this important national role.
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