AFGC appoints new Chair — Bernie Brookes AM

The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has appointed Bernie Brookes AM as Chair of its Board, effective immediately.

With more than four decades of experience in the retail and consumer goods sectors, Brookes has held roles as CEO of Myer Australia and Edcon in South Africa, and Executive Director at Woolworths Australia.

The AFGC said it is Brookes’ deep understanding of retail operations, supply chain management and consumer engagement that will make him invaluable in guiding the organisation through a period of transformation and growth.

Brookes has also served on numerous boards across a diverse range of industries. He is currently Chair of Direct Group (Innovations and TVSN) and Renuon Renewable Energy, and has previously sat on Boards of First Unity, Salvation Army Australia and Funtastic. He has also served on the Advisory Board of the World Retail Congress and was the founding judge, in addition to his role as patron of the Joe Berry Memorial Award. He was inducted into the Australian Retail Hall of Fame in 2013.

AFGC CEO Colm Maguire welcomed the appointment of the AFGC’s first independent Chair. He said: “The appointment of an independent chair to the Board of Directors marks a positive step forward in strengthening the governance of the AFGC, ensuring objective leadership, enhancing transparency, and reinforcing trust among members, industry partners and the broader community.”

Brookes said: “I am delighted to be appointed as Independent Chairman in an industry that I have been associated with for over 50 years. The foundations established by the current Chairman and board are strong. I plan to continue that work and focus. I am confident that I can contribute to the AFGC with a focus on the key issues facing the industry such as energy availability and cost, transportation, workforce shortages, automation and AI while developing a collaborative association between retailers, wholesalers and the supplier base of the sector.

“The food and grocery sector is a cornerstone of Australia’s economy and community wellbeing. I look forward to working with the Board and AFGC members to support innovation, resilience and sustainable growth across the industry.”

The AFGC thanked outgoing Chair Anthony Holme for his dedicated service and leadership, and said it was looking forward to his continued contribution as a member of the Board.