Meet The Mentors
Guidance. Support. Development
Industry Changemakers
Exclusive Benefit for Our Valued Members:Â Welcome to the FSAA Mentoring Program!
Mentoring is a dynamic practice, and our mentors play an integral role in the success of this program. They act as catalysts for learning, growth, and development while paying it forward in an industry that has provided them with career opportunities.
At FSAA, we believe in the positive impact of mentorship as a strategic investment in personal and professional growth. Our mentors aren’t just experienced professionals; they are eager to share their knowledge and experiences to benefit both you and the industry as a whole.
The objectives of mentoring programs can be as unique as your goals, and our program is strategically designed to be flexible and personalised. The impact of mentoring extends far beyond individual achievement; it’s about fostering a supportive community, gaining invaluable insights, and actively contributing to the progress of our industry.
Now, it’s time to meet the mentors who are dedicated to paying it forward and empowering our emerging leaders.
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Ken Hartley
Chief Executive Officer | Priestley's Gourmet Holdings
Ken Hartley, currently serving as the Chairperson of the FSAA Board, has a remarkable track record of driving business performance, strategy, and growth culture. His extensive experience includes roles as CEO at Priestley’s Gourmet Holdings, COO and General Manager at Vesco Foods, and CEO at Prepared Foods Australia. Ken is known for recognising and nurturing the authenticity and ambition within businesses.
Sam Hewson
Head of Field Distributors & Foodservice | Frucor Suntory
I have 20+ years experience in Commercial sales roles in FMCG across both Global and Family-owned business across all channels and have moved through organisations from a Territory Manager and Business Analyst right up to Head of Channel – delivering results as an individual to delivering results through others and am 100% still on my journey.
With over 20 years in Commercial sales within FMCG, I’ve navigated roles from Territory Manager to Head of Channel. I’ve worked in both global and family-owned businesses across all channels. As a mother of two, I’ve balanced career and family through various life stages. Having benefited from exceptional mentors, I understand the transformative impact of mentorship on personal development.”
Rohan Hughes
Senior Director Foodservice Australia | Simplot
Rohan, currently the General Manager of Foodservice Sales at Simplot Australia, boasts a career spanning over 27 years in the FMCG and Foodservice industry. His multifaceted expertise includes strategic planning, operations, sales, marketing, business development, project management, and transformation. Within the industry, Rohan is renowned for his passionate, inclusive, and developmental leadership, marked by unwavering perseverance and integrity.
Barton Beverley Smith
Customer Director Foodservice, Independent Retail, Aldi & Costco | Primo Foods
A strategic and commercially astute sales executive, with extensive experience in leading businesses that are operating in highly competitive, consumer brand-oriented environments, globally.
A proven leader of people, who can demonstrate a consistent track record of success in building and delivering business strategies to meet consumer brand demands, sales and profit targets whilst galvanising teams to deliver superior results.
Emily Ng
Head of Unilever Food Solutions ANZ - Marketing Lead | Brand
Emily Ng is a people leader with extensive experience in general management and marketing, having worked across Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. Currently based in Sydney with a hybrid location setup, she excels in crafting end-to-end user journeys and brand experiences. Highly resilient and adaptive, Emily’s core strengths include grit and composure, making her a steady presence in challenging situations.
Steve Ward
Co-Owner/Director | Core Element Executive Recruitment Partners
Steve Ward is the co-owner/Director of Core Element Executive Recruitment Partners, a specialist Foodservice and FMCG recruitment firm now in its 13th year of operation. Prior to moving to recruitment Steve spent eight years in senior Sales Leadership positions in Foodservice, working with Simplot and George Weston Foods.
Najib Lawand
Founding Director | Export Connect Pty Ltd
Najib has over 25 years experience leading Australian food export businesses and Agri-food industry development teams in both the private and public sectors. With extensive commercial and government networks in North and South East Asia and the Middle East; he is well-known for the ability to open new and grow export markets for individual food businesses and industry clusters. He has a passion in export market development and the food and beverage sector as a whole.Â
Dr. Angeline Achariya (GAICD)
FMCG C-Suite Enterprise & Executive Leader
Angeline is a respected industry leader and innovation expert with over 20 years of international experience at blue-chip companies like Mondelez International, Yum Brands, Fonterra, Simplot, and MARS.
Her career includes co-leading the groundbreaking Food Innovation Hub and launching over 1000 innovations across APAC markets. Angeline is committed to a sustainable global food system and advancing Australia’s role in agrifood value-added products.
Nick Crosland
Head of Distributors | Patties Foods Pty Ltd
A results-oriented sales & distribution executive with extensive experience in food and beverage FMCG companies in Australia, across a range of disciplines including Sales & Marketing, Supply Chain, Operations, Strategic Business Development & Product Development.
Tony Bizzarri
Regional Manager | Comcater
Foodservice is in Tony’s DNA, thanks to parents who inspired his journey in the industry. With two prosperous restaurants, ownership of a wholesale food business, and nearly two decades in the Catering Equipment Supply sector, Tony’s leadership thrives on valuing customers and staff, delivering product excellence, and showcasing his extensive industry knowledge.
Donna Cox
National Business Manager | noumi Limited
Donna Cox is a business-savvy sales leader with a passion for enhancing sales processes, fostering a positive work environment, and elevating the customer journey. With a decade of experience at the National Business Manager level, she excels in stakeholder relationships, strategic planning, and driving profitability. Donna is known for her proactive approach, collaboration, and goal-oriented mindset.
Wayne Viles
General Manager | UNOX Australia
Wayne Viles embarked on his culinary journey as a Pastry chef in Queensland 44 years ago. In 1991, he transitioned to a Sales role in Melbourne before venturing into his own pizza business in 1995. After a decade in the pizza industry, Wayne joined Robot Coupe, playing a pivotal role in the development of their Vic/Tas operations for nearly 9 years. Subsequently, he assumed leadership at Unox Australia, spearheading a new business endeavor
Mimmo Lubrano
Director | Sandhurst Fine Foods
Having started the business Sandhurst Fine Foods with his brother over 35 years ago Mimmo has been involved in building the foodservice team to what it is today.
Along with their team, there have been a fair share of mistakes, but proudly have also taken many winning foodservice products to market in areas of condiments, oils, canned foods etc. Mimmo remains very connected to the FS team and industry which is his passion – food along with music and people.
Xanny Christophersen
COO | Priestley's Gourmet Delights
Starting from the ground floor, Xanny built a 16-year career across UK, NZ, and Australia, leading key operations and driving growth for diverse businesses.
Her expertise spans strategic management, process optimization, and implementing technology for operational excellence. Recently appointed as CEO at Priestley’s Gourmet Delights, she offers holistic leadership across all functions of the business.
Kevin Wise
Qld manager | Sandhurst Fine Foods
Kevin Wise, QLD Manager, embarked on his journey in 1989 as a van salesperson. With extensive experience and knowledge spanning various levels of food service operations and sales, including key accounts, state, and national roles. Kevin has contributed his expertise to companies like Sales Link Food Service Brokers (14 yrs), Nestle Professionals (3 yrs), and currently, he thrives at Sandhurst Fine Foods (15 yrs).