SA food industry leader steps down for interstate role
The long-serving CEO of Food South Australia is leaving her role, and the state, to lead a Melbourne-based organisation.
Mexican Express Founder Ian Young, left, with Catherine Sayer and Marco Group Australia Managing Director Ray Borda.
Catherine Sayer – the inaugural CEO of Food SA who has led the industry member group for over a decade – will become the CEO of Family Business Australia in Victoria.
“It has been a wonderful 13 years where no two days have been the same,” Sayer said.
“The industry is fantastic with lots of passionate people and, from a Food SA perspective, we have been here to help our industry grow and I hope it continues to do so.”
Sayer worked with a team to establish Food SA in 2010 as a result of the amalgamation between Flavour South Australia and Food Adelaide.
As the state’s peak industry body, the organisation has offices in Adelaide, Japan and China to deliver programs that grow markets, capabilities and connections for the South Australian food and beverage industry.
Throughout her time with Food SA, Sayer has been Chair of the Tropical Tuna Management Advisory Committee and has more recently been appointed as a Board Member of Seafood Industry Australia.
She also serves as Chair of KIN Premium Australian Seafood and as a Board Member for Camp Quality, the not-for-profit that helps kids living with cancer to build resilience through community and education.
In 2017, Sayer was the first female appointed as a board member of the Glenelg Football Club.
Sayer, who will join the Melbourne-based Family Business Australia (FBA) on August 7, said she looks forward to continuing to work with South Australian businesses.
“Many Food SA members are also Family Business Australia members, so it won’t be the last time I have contact with our food and beverage industry,” she said.
FBA helps to leverage Australian-based family businesses by providing access to education and training for business development and generating growth and networking opportunities.
Food South Australia chair Ray Borda said the recruitment process for Sayer’s replacement has already begun.
“This wasn’t an easy decision for Catherine and I would like to assure our members that we will be working hard to find a suitable replacement with her assistance,” he said.
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