Kathryn Adams, Chair of Safe Food Production Queensland’s Board, today announced that Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Barbara Wilson, will retire from her role at Safe Food, effective 23 July, 2018.
Barbara has been an integral part of Safe Food’s history, appointed as CEO in 2001, and working tirelessly over the past 17 years to evolve Safe Food into the multi-commodity regulator it is today. Barbara has championed for the continuous modernisation of regulatory systems in Australia, using a partnership approach with industry and government in food safety management. This approach has seen Safe Food emerge as a leader and innovator in the food regulatory space.
“It has been an honour to lead this great agency over the last seventeen years, and I am extremely proud of the value we have created for industry and government stakeholders,” said Dr. Wilson. “I want to thank each member of our team for their support and ongoing commitment to helping our industries in Queensland to sustain food safety standards and embrace a food safety culture,” she added. “This is the right time for me personally, and for Safe Food to transition to the next generation of leadership. Safe Food will be well positioned for future success with a strong team, solid foundation, and exciting prospects involving leading edge technology.”
Safe Food will continue to work towards fulfilling its 2015-2020 Strategy, which was reviewed by the Board in 2017.
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Barbara for her vision and hard work since Safe Food was formed in 2001,” said Kathryn. “Under her leadership, Safe Food has achieved the position of a nationally and internationally recognised innovative leader in the food regulatory system, expanding and enhancing opportunities for food businesses in the primary sector. Our strategic plan carries this leadership forward and we forecast a seamless transition. Barbara leaves an enduring legacy of Food Safety culture that will improve the competitiveness of our industries and the wellbeing of the people of Queensland and Australia.”
The Board has recommended Alex Baker, currently Safe Food’s Chief Operating Officer, to assume the roles as Acting CEO while a recruitment process for the position is completed.
Contact
Alex Baker
Safe Food Production Queensland
(07) 3253 9800