Citrus Australia's current market information and quality manager will step up to the role of CEO at the end of 2017, replacing outgoing chief Judith Damiani who will be moving on to new horizons after nine years in the job. 

Nathan Hancock

Damiani was also CEO of the group's predecessor Australian Citrus Growers Incorporated between 2001 and 2008.

In a release, the organization said it was delighted to announce the CEO appointment of Nathan Hancock, who is set to relocate from Western Australia to Mildura, Victoria in October and work with Damiani to ensure a "seamless transition". 

Hancock has been in his current role at Citrus Australia for nearly seven years, and the association said he brought "a wealth of knowledge and expertise in citrus and agriculture", building strong relationships across the national and international citrus industry and supply chains.

He completed a bachelor degree in Agribusiness Horticulture at Curtin University in Western Australia, and started his career as an agronomist and merchandise manager with an agricultural inputs company in the state.

After that he joined the Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) where he began his involvement with the citrus industry as industry development officer.

Citrus Australia chair Tania Chapman said that Nathan had shown real dedication and passion for the growers and his work, which had assisted in the growth of the citrus industry.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge of leading Citrus Australia during this exciting time of growth in the industry and am grateful for the solid foundation Judith has laid," Hancock said.

"Judith has led the industry through some very tough periods, I admire and respect her leadership."

Citrus Australia Ltd is the national peak body for citrus growers. Citrus Australia represents the industry in policy and advocacy, biosecurity, market access, development and promotion, research, and communications.

The citrus industry in Australia is worth AUD$580 million and represents the interests of around 1,500 citrus growers. It is the largest fresh fruit exporter, with annual export earnings of around AUD$330 million.

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