Banana growers welcome new CEO

Long-serving Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) CEO, Jim Pekin, has retired with Leanne Erakovic taking the reins. According to ABGC Chair, Stephen Lowe, Mr Pekin has been advocating for those who grow Australia’s favourite fruit for more than a decade and will be sorely missed. “He was appointed in the role in the wake of Cyclone Yasi in 2011 and has worked tirelessly on behalf of commercial banana growers since,” Mr Lowe said. “I’ve seen first-hand the amount of time, passion and effort he has put into this industry behind the scenes. “He will leave behind a remarkable legacy, particularly his key role in the management of TR4 in Queensland and the eradication of Banana Freckle in the Northern Territory. “Jim has consistently advocated for better outcomes for growers and has helped move towards a stronger, more sustainable future.” Mr Lowe said that Ms Erakovic, who has been the ABGC Executive Officer for the past six years, was well equipped to advocate and represent industry, ensuring the long-term sustainability for all growers and the wider industry. “We had a very strong field of highly experienced applicants to choose from and Leanne is an outstanding choice for this role,” Mr Lowe said. “Leanne brings a wealth of experience from both working with the ABGC for the past six years and her business background. We are confident she has the expertise and vision to lead the ABGC and the banana industry into the future.” Mr Pekin said that it had been a privilege to get to know, learn from and work with Board members and other banana growers. “Australian banana growers are world leaders at what they do, and I thank them for being so generous with their time, knowledge and friendliness,” Mr Pekin said. “I will miss the banana industry, which I am very passionate about. It is such an incredibly vibrant industry. I will also miss the great staff that ABGC has and others that I have chewed over banana issues with!”

End of an era: Australian Banana Growers’ Council CEO, Jim Pekin, has retired.

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