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- info@foodanddrinkvic.com
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Food + Drink Victoria is the parent company behind Melbourne Food & Wine, and is a not-for-profit organisation which champions Victorian food and drink.
We work with the industry year-round to promote and grow the value of the food and drink sector in this state, creating economic impact and social value by accelerating the sustainable growth of Victoria’s food and drink industry.
We work right across the spectrum of food, from primary production to what goes out on the plate, from internationally renowned fine-dining restaurants and most cutting-edge talents to the most traditional of practitioners and grass-roots community organisations. We support the Victorian government in its key initiatives in the food and drink space as readily as we engage with the private sector in this work.
The Melbourne Food & Wine brand encompasses public events, industry events and awards, consulting services and a year-round publishing platform offering the latest news in food and drink culture from Melbourne and across Victoria. Our signature event, the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, has been running for 30 years and is now the largest of its kind in Australia.
Founded in 1993, the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival has grown from a modest offering of 12 events to an internationally recognised program of more than 200 events across the breadth of Melbourne, as well as satellite events around the state of Victoria. These events run from epic spectacles playing host to guests by the tens of thousands through to hands-on or bespoke engagements and activations on a more intimate scale.
One of the key functions of the festival is as a forum for cultural exchange and a means to tell the story of Melbourne and Victoria as a food and drink capital to the world. Over the years we’ve played host to international hospitality luminaries such as Nigella Lawson, Massimo Bottura, René Redzepi, Ruth Rogers, David Chang, Thomas Keller, Madhur Jaffrey, Andoni Luis Aduriz, Pierre Koffmann, Alex Atala, Elena Arzak, Magnus Nilsson, Gaia Gaja, Anthony Bourdain, Nicolas Joly, Roy Choi, Fergus Henderson, Zaiyu Hasegawa, Gabrielle Hamilton, Junghyun Park and Heston Blumenthal, and these guests in turn have become ambassadors for the city, weaving themselves into Melbourne’s food story and taking it back home with them.
The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival brings the best of the food and drink world to Victoria and the best of Victorian food and drink to the world.
Our honorary Board is made up of corporate professionals and food and wine industry members that work with the management team to drive the strategic direction of the business.
With over 20 years of experience in banking and finance, Pippa has held several leadership positions with global remits at The Royal Bank of Scotland based in London and latterly with Westpac Institutional Bank in Melbourne. Her accolades include Financial News’ Top 40 under 40 Investment Bankers in London (2013), Women in Banking Award Finalist in London (2012) and Westpac Women of Influence Finalist (2016).
Pippa is an accomplished executive level leader with a proven track record of managing teams of experienced professionals. She has created, implemented and executed a number of global industry, business, customer and product strategies while working in the banking sector. Over this journey, Pippa has developed a wealth of experience to assist companies and their management teams to deliver growth while operating within an ever changing environment. Pippa thrives on building high performance teams and a cross-business culture of inclusion focused on the achievement of defined business outcomes. She is most proud of her strong background driving the improvement of Diversity and Inclusion in the financial services sector.
Pippa is a Director of Utilities Trust of Australia. She invests in and advises a variety of start-up ventures including investments in the FMCG space in Victoria. Pippa is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
With over 20 years of experience in banking and finance, Pippa has held several leadership positions with global remits at The Royal Bank of Scotland based in London and latterly with Westpac Institutional Bank in Melbourne. Her accolades include Financial News’ Top 40 under 40 Investment Bankers in London (2013), Women in Banking Award Finalist in London (2012) and Westpac Women of Influence Finalist (2016).
Pippa is an accomplished executive level leader with a proven track record of managing teams of experienced professionals. She has created, implemented and executed a number of global industry, business, customer and product strategies while working in the banking sector. Over this journey, Pippa has developed a wealth of experience to assist companies and their management teams to deliver growth while operating within an ever changing environment. Pippa thrives on building high performance teams and a cross-business culture of inclusion focused on the achievement of defined business outcomes. She is most proud of her strong background driving the improvement of Diversity and Inclusion in the financial services sector.
Pippa is a Director of Utilities Trust of Australia. She invests in and advises a variety of start-up ventures including investments in the FMCG space in Victoria. Pippa is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Justin’s career has focused on Food and Drink Consumer Brands such as Vegemite, Meadow Lea, Western Star, Bega, Perfect Cheese, Diploma, Rush and Big M through Supermarkets, Hospitality and Exports across Asia and Europe. He has also worked with the Victorian Government leading teams on investment attraction, business migration, university alumni and Ministerial travel. After leaving Government, Justin was a strategic advisor on International Business to ANZ, Boral, Ericsson, Macquarie Bank, Santos, Singapore Government, Telstra and the Vitamins Industry. He joined Swisse in 2012, leading strategy and campaigns across Government Relations, Public Policy, Community Engagement and Sustainability. He is now CEO of AUKUS Advisory.
Justin is also VP of the United Nations Association of Australia and Board member of the European Australia Business Council. He has previously been National President of the Australia Malaysia Business Council, and the Australia Philippines Business Council and was a founding Board member of Swinburne Ventures – the University’s vehicle for spinning off research and innovation.
Justin’s career has focused on Food and Drink Consumer Brands such as Vegemite, Meadow Lea, Western Star, Bega, Perfect Cheese, Diploma, Rush and Big M through Supermarkets, Hospitality and Exports across Asia and Europe. He has also worked with the Victorian Government leading teams on investment attraction, business migration, university alumni and Ministerial travel. After leaving Government, Justin was a strategic advisor on International Business to ANZ, Boral, Ericsson, Macquarie Bank, Santos, Singapore Government, Telstra and the Vitamins Industry. He joined Swisse in 2012, leading strategy and campaigns across Government Relations, Public Policy, Community Engagement and Sustainability. He is now CEO of AUKUS Advisory.
Justin is also VP of the United Nations Association of Australia and Board member of the European Australia Business Council. He has previously been National President of the Australia Malaysia Business Council, and the Australia Philippines Business Council and was a founding Board member of Swinburne Ventures – the University’s vehicle for spinning off research and innovation.
AO, FCIA, FICD, FAIM
John Haddad is Chairman of the Taverns Group of Hotels and was Chairman of F+WV from 2004-2018. He was a Board member of Victorian Major Events Company from 1991- 2016 and is a passionate and involved supporter of the arts community including as a Patron of the Victorian Arts Centre. John held the position of Chairman of the Australian National Academy of Music for eight years until 2008 and is Emeritus Chairman of Art Centre Melbourne Foundation Board of Governors (Retired).
AO, FCIA, FICD, FAIM
John Haddad is Chairman of the Taverns Group of Hotels and was Chairman of F+WV from 2004-2018. He was a Board member of Victorian Major Events Company from 1991- 2016 and is a passionate and involved supporter of the arts community including as a Patron of the Victorian Arts Centre. John held the position of Chairman of the Australian National Academy of Music for eight years until 2008 and is Emeritus Chairman of Art Centre Melbourne Foundation Board of Governors (Retired).
Aside from his deep passion for food, wine and Melbourne, Mat is an international expert in the Consumer Packaged Goods and Retail industry. During his 20+ year career at Mars Inc., he worked in a number of senior executive roles, including at the General Manager and Director level. Mat lived in the UK and Belgium for over five years and in his last role he was the Vice President of Europe and Eurasia for Mars Chocolate, a large diverse region with over 50 countries.
After a long career with Mars, Mat returned back to Australia for a senior role at Coles Supermarkets, where he was the General Manager – Marketing. After his role at Coles Mat went on to work across multiple industry sectors. Mat has held C-Suite level roles and is currently a General Manager at Kinrise. Mat has a track record of leading world-class business, culture and talent development and has always left a positive legacy in each of his roles. He has two Degrees and has enjoyed executive study at Melbourne Business School, London Business School and Harvard University.
Aside from his deep passion for food, wine and Melbourne, Mat is an international expert in the Consumer Packaged Goods and Retail industry. During his 20+ year career at Mars Inc., he worked in a number of senior executive roles, including at the General Manager and Director level. Mat lived in the UK and Belgium for over five years and in his last role he was the Vice President of Europe and Eurasia for Mars Chocolate, a large diverse region with over 50 countries.
After a long career with Mars, Mat returned back to Australia for a senior role at Coles Supermarkets, where he was the General Manager – Marketing. After his role at Coles Mat went on to work across multiple industry sectors. Mat has held C-Suite level roles and is currently a General Manager at Kinrise. Mat has a track record of leading world-class business, culture and talent development and has always left a positive legacy in each of his roles. He has two Degrees and has enjoyed executive study at Melbourne Business School, London Business School and Harvard University.
Shane is an experienced finance professional, with a 20-year career across public practice and the private sector, predominantly in the sport and major events industry, having held executive roles with Melbourne Victory (football), the ICC T20 World Cup (cricket), and Left Field Live (football/rugby). He is also a senior facilitator with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand’s postgraduate CA program, in the areas of financial reporting, audit, risk and technology, and management accounting.
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce, a Graduate Diploma in Corporate Governance, and is a member of both Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and the Governance Institute of Australia. Shane joined the Board of Food & Drink Victoria in February 2023, and also chairs the company’s Corporate Governance Committee.
Shane is an experienced finance professional, with a 20-year career across public practice and the private sector, predominantly in the sport and major events industry, having held executive roles with Melbourne Victory (football), the ICC T20 World Cup (cricket), and Left Field Live (football/rugby). He is also a senior facilitator with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand’s postgraduate CA program, in the areas of financial reporting, audit, risk and technology, and management accounting.
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce, a Graduate Diploma in Corporate Governance, and is a member of both Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and the Governance Institute of Australia. Shane joined the Board of Food & Drink Victoria in February 2023, and also chairs the company’s Corporate Governance Committee.
Gordon has over 30 years’ experience in the wine industry, from winemaking to marketing and sales. He has worked for the Rathbone Wine Group, which owns Yering Station, Mount Langi Ghiran and Xanadu Wines, for the past 19 years as Commercial Director. Gordon has a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, a Bachelor of Oenology and a Masters in International Business.
Gordon has over 30 years’ experience in the wine industry, from winemaking to marketing and sales. He has worked for the Rathbone Wine Group, which owns Yering Station, Mount Langi Ghiran and Xanadu Wines, for the past 19 years as Commercial Director. Gordon has a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, a Bachelor of Oenology and a Masters in International Business.
Megan is the Managing Director of Zenith Media (Melbourne), a powerhouse global media agency representing clients such as Disney, TikTok, Honda, Lactalis, City of Melbourne and many more. At Zenith Media, Megan delivers her clients cutting-edge solutions for both offline and digital media planning and buying, consumer research and insights, data management, commerce integration and content creation.
With 30 years of media experience, Megan has held senior leadership roles within media agencies such as Starcom, Havas and Huckleberry. She was also the Victorian Sales Manager for Vogue Living, Inside Out and Country Style, and added media research to her experience with a Regional Manager role at Fairfax Media.
Megan brings with her to Food + Drink Victoria a deep passion for Victorian food and wine, as well as expertise in business performance, marketing led growth, team culture and strong relationships across the media and marketing business sectors.
Megan is the Managing Director of Zenith Media (Melbourne), a powerhouse global media agency representing clients such as Disney, TikTok, Honda, Lactalis, City of Melbourne and many more. At Zenith Media, Megan delivers her clients cutting-edge solutions for both offline and digital media planning and buying, consumer research and insights, data management, commerce integration and content creation.
With 30 years of media experience, Megan has held senior leadership roles within media agencies such as Starcom, Havas and Huckleberry. She was also the Victorian Sales Manager for Vogue Living, Inside Out and Country Style, and added media research to her experience with a Regional Manager role at Fairfax Media.
Megan brings with her to Food + Drink Victoria a deep passion for Victorian food and wine, as well as expertise in business performance, marketing led growth, team culture and strong relationships across the media and marketing business sectors.
MA Creative Media, DipArts, MAIDC
Julie Ann has over 30 years experience working with world leading fashion and lifestyle brands in international markets. She has led transformational change and innovative strategies to develop business culture and brands to drive outcomes.
Julie Ann is currently a Non-Executive Director of Myer Holdings and a member of the HR and Nomination committees, an advisor to the Carla Zampatti brand and runs a private consultancy specialising in brand and business strategy. Her previous roles include Chair of the Myer subsidiary, Specialty Brands Australia, a Managing Director within the LVMH Group where she was MD of Bulgari UK (based in London) and Australia, and Managing Director of FJB Australia, a retailer and licensee of leading luxury and fashion brands through a global network. During her role at FJB, she was a finalist in the BRW/Qantas Business Woman of the Year Awards.
In her MD roles, Julie Ann has developed innovative collaborations to support the non-profit sector, including the Bulgari Art Award with the Art Gallery of NSW, fund raising for the National Gallery Victoria and The Carla Zampatti Foundation Fashion award for the University of Technology of Sydney among other initiatives.
Julie Ann has been a member of the Institute of Directors (UK) and is currently a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
MA Creative Media, DipArts, MAIDC
Julie Ann has over 30 years experience working with world leading fashion and lifestyle brands in international markets. She has led transformational change and innovative strategies to develop business culture and brands to drive outcomes.
Julie Ann is currently a Non-Executive Director of Myer Holdings and a member of the HR and Nomination committees, an advisor to the Carla Zampatti brand and runs a private consultancy specialising in brand and business strategy. Her previous roles include Chair of the Myer subsidiary, Specialty Brands Australia, a Managing Director within the LVMH Group where she was MD of Bulgari UK (based in London) and Australia, and Managing Director of FJB Australia, a retailer and licensee of leading luxury and fashion brands through a global network. During her role at FJB, she was a finalist in the BRW/Qantas Business Woman of the Year Awards.
In her MD roles, Julie Ann has developed innovative collaborations to support the non-profit sector, including the Bulgari Art Award with the Art Gallery of NSW, fund raising for the National Gallery Victoria and The Carla Zampatti Foundation Fashion award for the University of Technology of Sydney among other initiatives.
Julie Ann has been a member of the Institute of Directors (UK) and is currently a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Tina Savona is an experienced commercial general counsel, heading up the legal function in Australia for leading agricultural business Nutrien Ag Solutions. Tina was the lead counsel for the Australian Cargill Incorporated businesses across the malt, grain and oilseed crush sectors and has also worked at Elders Limited. She commenced her career as a tax lawyer at King and Wood Mallesons.
Tina is a member of the Food + Drink Victoria Corporate Governance Committee, serves on the Board of Governors and chairs the Audit and Risk Committee for Ivanhoe Grammar School and is a Non-Executive Director of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria. Tina graduated with a Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Laws (with first class honours) from La Trobe University and Master of Laws degree from the University of Melbourne.
Tina is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a member of the Australian Corporate Lawyers Association. Tina is a results-driven, strategic thinker and problem solver and has a keen interest in sustainability, digitalisation, inclusion and diversity.
Tina Savona is an experienced commercial general counsel, heading up the legal function in Australia for leading agricultural business Nutrien Ag Solutions. Tina was the lead counsel for the Australian Cargill Incorporated businesses across the malt, grain and oilseed crush sectors and has also worked at Elders Limited. She commenced her career as a tax lawyer at King and Wood Mallesons.
Tina is a member of the Food + Drink Victoria Corporate Governance Committee, serves on the Board of Governors and chairs the Audit and Risk Committee for Ivanhoe Grammar School and is a Non-Executive Director of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria. Tina graduated with a Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Laws (with first class honours) from La Trobe University and Master of Laws degree from the University of Melbourne.
Tina is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a member of the Australian Corporate Lawyers Association. Tina is a results-driven, strategic thinker and problem solver and has a keen interest in sustainability, digitalisation, inclusion and diversity.
Meet our dedicated team linked by a common passion for food and drink.
Administration
Anthea Loucas Bosha
Chief Executive Officer
Debbie Laity
Corporate Services Director
Deanne Petrohilos
Business Operations Manager
Sara Hopper
Accounts & Payroll Manager
Content and Marketing
Louise Allan
Marketing Director
Pat Nourse
Creative Director
Frank Sweet
Content Manager
Murray Batten
Head of Design
Sophie Hume
E-commerce & Digital Marketing Executive
Kiara Cengic
Social Media Lead
Partnerships
Camilla Jones
Partnerships Director
Matt Prince
Commercial Development Director
Ali Webb
Partnerships Manager
Allegra Borsato-Tortoni
Partnerships Coordinator
Events and Programming
Liz Hamilton
Director of Projects
Nadia Gordon
Senior Events Manager
Kim Danks
Industry Lead
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