AIFST Governance & Board

DR GREGORY HARPER

Non-Executive Director 

Gregory was trained as a biochemist at the University of Queensland and Monash University, before embarking on an international career in research, development, knowledge translation and governance. 

After PhD studies into proteoglycans, Gregory worked in medical research and development at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in Bethesda, MD., and the Adelaide Women’s and Children’s Hospital. His work focussed on understanding and potentially treating human inborn errors of metabolism, contributing to the development and commercialisation of the “Naglazme” treatment for Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome

Wanting to contribute through food science, Gregory joined CSIRO in 1992 where he spent 22-years in agrifood innovation spanning research, product development, commercialisation and executive management. His research included studying marbling fat in cattle, supported by a Cooperative Research Centre grant. During his time in CSIRO, he took a secondment into Meat and Livestock Australia, where he managed a significant red meat R&D program being performed in Universities, State departments and the CSIRO. He later served as a non-executive director on the MLA Board (2009-2015). 

Between 2014 and 2017, Gregory was Executive Director in the Victorian State government leading a portfolio of agriculture, food and sustainability science with a team of more than 300. From 2017 to 2025, Gregory was Business Development Director for agrifood related sciences at the University of Melbourne, helping translate research into impact. A highlight was founding NorVicFoods in the Hume region of Victoria. 

Gregory now works as a strategy advisor and mentor through Crondar Pty Ltd. Gregory is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology and the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He is also recognised through the International Alliance of Technology Transfer Professionals as a Registered Technology Transfer Professional (RTTP). He was elected to the AIFST Board in 2023.

 

DR ANGELINE ACHARIYA

Non-Executive Director

Dr Angeline Achariya thrives in a portfolio of senior executive roles transforming global AgriFood growth through innovation from supply to consumer experience. She serves on the boards of Australian Federal Government Industry Innovation Science Australia, Wine Australia, Australia’s Economic Accelerator and the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology. She chairs the G100 Mission Million Asia Pacific chapter for Food Systems Innovation & Resilience and Australia China Business Council - Victorian Agribusiness and Food forum. As a senior advisor at Beanstalk Agtech and its Drought Venture Studio, Angeline is at the forefront of scaling solutions for the Agrifood system. She co-hosts the “Women Transforming Food” podcast with Inside FMCG, sharing inspiring stories of leaders in the AgriFood sector.

With her extensive executive leadership experience, Angeline has worked in global multinationals such as J R Simplot, Mondelez International, Yum Brands International, Fonterra, and Mars Corporation. She has held international C-suite roles in both private and public sectors including Monash University (co-founded a world first commercial innovation hub). Angeline has driven impact through her people leadership, innovation commercialisation strategy and execution across global complex consumer goods supply chains. Her commitment to revitalising organisations for sustained growth and profitability towards an inclusive, sustainable, and circular food system makes her a force for positive change.

Beyond boardrooms Angeline is an international speaker, mentor and coach to individuals, scale ups, and SMEs. Angeline holds a PhD in Food Systems and Technology from the University of Melbourne and has an agricultural upbringing. She holds fellow positions with Academy of Australian Technological Sciences and Engineering and Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology.

She was recognised as a superstar of STEM for 2025 by Science and Technology Australia and acknowledged by LinkedIn as a global top voice for her leadership and influence. The Women Economic Forum names her as woman of the decade in 2024.

DR ANNA BARLOW

Non-Executive Director & Chair, Nomination & Remuneration Committee

Anna is a dynamic and motivational leader with a passion for innovation in the food and agritech sector. Qualified with a PhD in Natural Products Chemistry from the University of Otago, New Zealand, Anna’s career has evolved from academia through to executive roles for multi-national food and beverage companies such as Asahi Beverages, JDE Coffee, Mondelez International and Kraft Foods working from NZ, Australia, Europe, and the UK. Anna has led global corporate technology and R&D programs and led Asia Pacific-wide commercialisation programs in chocolate, coffee, biscuits, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

As Partner, Food & Agri Innovation at Startupbootcamp, Anna leads SBC’s food and agritech startup and scaleup accelerator FoodTech Tasmania and works with multiple corporate and RDC clients across the food and agritech sector.

Anna also serves as NED and Secretary at FermenTasmania, where she connects SMEs, corporates, and the academic sector, playing a crucial role in shaping the future of Tasmania’s new fermentation co-working manufacturing, R&D and learning facility. She also serves as a NED at Australia Vinegar, bringing expertise in leadership, R&D, and innovation.

Anna is highly collaborative, with strong dot-connecting and people leadership capability. Anna enjoys working with teams to maximise their strengths, leveraging her Facet5 and TeamScape accreditations in personality trait-based profiles for team building and leadership coaching.

Known for her energetic, authentic, and motivational leadership style and exceptional stakeholder management skills, Anna’s ability to nurture talent, negotiate effectively, and empower teams has made her a respected mentor and coach in the industry.

MR STUART CLARK

Non-Executive Director

With nearly 40 years of experience in the food industry, Stuart Clark believes that lasting business results are built on strong relationships. Stuart has had the privilege to lead teams in Product Development and Manufacturing Management, working around Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, for local and global businesses. He has been running his own consulting business for the past 7 years.

Stuart has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Food Technology from UWS (previously Hawkesbury Agricultural College), an Masters in Business Administration in Operations Management from Deakin Uni and recently graduated from the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).

In his career, Stuart has enjoyed the challenge of creating profitable, high quality new products from consumer insights. This required collaborative, cross functional team work, balancing different functional perspectives. He has been lucky to be part of many high performing teams, building strong working relationships to deliver results.

Beyond the work, Stuart is involved as a mentor for the StartUp Boot Camp, Raise Foundation, Mentoring Men, and the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology. He is married with two adult children, two dogs and lives in Sydney.

Stuart is looking forward to working closely with the AIFST Board and Executive to deliver benefits for members, and a strong, science-based voice to Government, Regulators and Industry about the ever changing Agri-Food Industry.

MR ANTONY CULL

Non-Executive Director & Chair, Finance, Audit & Risk Committee

An accomplished Non-Executive Director and Chair, Tony offers more than 25 years of board-level leadership across multinational corporations, large cooperatives, Cooperative Research Centres, and family-owned enterprises throughout Australia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. He is recognised for his independent oversight, strategic insight, and dedication to organisational sustainability and growth, with a proven track record in highly competitive sectors including agriculture, food manufacturing, FMCG, retail, distribution, export, scientific research, and the not-for-profit sector.

Currently, Tony serves as Independent Chair of Mondo Doro Pty Ltd, a leading Western Australian smallgoods manufacturer. He is also a Non-Executive Director at the Future Food Systems Cooperative Research Centre—a $200 million federally funded initiative—and Chorus Australia Limited, a major not-for-profit supporting over 10,000 clients.

Tony holds an MBA and Bachelor of Business from Curtin University, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and a CPA. He is committed to the highest standards of governance and ethical conduct, and is passionate about enhancing the international competitiveness and sustainability of Australia’s agri-food sector.

MELISSA PACKHAM

Non-Executive Director

Melissa Packham is an experienced strategist, communicator, and advisor with a 20-year track record spanning the corporate, SME, and startup sectors. She brings a unique blend of business strategy and brand and marketing management expertise, championing sustainable practices, systems thinking, and challenging ‘business as usual’.

Throughout her career, Melissa has managed growth for prominent household brands, including Campbell’s, Arnott’s, IceBreak and OAK. Responsible for multimillion-dollar budgets, she’s consistently delivered bottom-line results and led award-winning campaigns.

Melissa has been consulting independently since 2016 and now leads Brand-Led Business, a boutique firm aiding SMEs across sectors including food and beverages, consumer products, B2B, SaaS, and professional services.

With a double Bachelor's degree in Business (Marketing) and Arts (Humanities), and as a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, she combines branding expertise and strategic acumen with a strong moral compass. As a Climate Fresk facilitator and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Certified Professional, she demonstrates her commitment to real-world sustainability and ESG risk management.

Recognised for her collaborative nature, empathy, and warmth, Melissa highly values teamwork. Beyond her professional endeavours, Melissa cherishes her role as a mother to one, and can be found indulging in her eclectic taste in music or enjoying long walks by the river in Meeanjin (Brisbane).

She recognises she owes her career to her start in food and sees the crucial role that food plays in a sustainable future. She would be honoured to contribute to supporting AIFST’s mission in supporting food industry professionals to meet future food needs.

MICHELE VAN DER WALT

Non-Executive Director

Michele is a strategic food sector leader, who brings more than two decades of international experience across the food and ingredients industry to AIFST. She currently leads the Food Sector Initiative at the University of Melbourne within Research, Innovation and Commercialisation, and serves as Enterprise Fellow for the Food and Biopharma Platform in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, where she focuses on building industry-engaged research and innovation partnerships.

Michele’s executive career spans senior roles in general management, innovation, marketing, commercial operations, and strategic planning with globally recognised organisations including McCormick, Kerry Ingredients, and Givaudan. She served as Managing Director for McCormick in South Africa and, at Kerry Ingredients, led the UK & Ireland and Oceania businesses before taking responsibility for Strategic Planning and Commercial Excellence across the APMEA region. Most recently, as Head of Regional Innovation, APAC at Givaudan in Singapore, she led regional marketing, innovation, and functional ingredient strategy in collaboration with leading multinationals, regional companies, and high-growth start-ups.

Michele holds a BSc in Biochemistry and Microbiology from Rhodes University (South Africa) and a BHSS in Applied Psychology for Professional Contexts from the University of South Africa. She has served as an executive, non-executive director, and Chair on boards across food manufacturing, education, and provident funds, and has successfully led multiple business acquisitions. Deeply passionate about creating impact through people, Michele champions collaborative, empowered, high-performing cultures as the foundation for sustainable, innovation-led business success in the food system.