AHEIA announces new CEO

The Australian Horticultural Exporters’ and Importers’ Association (AHEIA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Lesley Shield as CEO from September 2021.

With more than 30 years involvement in the horticultural industry in Australia, New Zealand and Asia, Lesley brings a wealth of experience to the CEO role of AHEIA.

Lesley’s career has encompassed the development and management of successful fresh produce import and export trading operations based in Australia and New Zealand, focusing on the Asian markets.

During the 12 years she spent living in Asia, she took a leading role in the development and execution of the very successful Retail Active Selling Programme which was launched in selected retail stores in Thailand in 2005 and is still operating today.

Lesley has no doubt that her understanding of the supply chain from growers to the export to consumers will assist the Board of AHEIA in providing a strong platform of representation and growth for its members.

Lesley is looking forward to working with AHEIA members, board of directors and Australian government departments, to assist in problem solving and communicating any concerns our members may have regarding their products or markets. 

On behalf of the Board, Chairman Joe Saina would like to sincerely thank our outgoing CEO, Dr Andréa Magiafoglou.  Andréa held the position of CEO these past three years most of which was during very challenging times.  We acknowledge what she has achieved both at a member level, and AHEIA organisational level.  Andréa’s high-level representation has put our association in a good stead with industry stakeholders and regulators.