Dear FAN Members & Supporters,
It is with regret that we announce that Emma Greenhatch has resigned as CEO of FAN effective 19 December 2022.
Emma has played a key leadership role in FAN for nearly 7 years, starting as a Board Director, then continuing as General Manager and CEO.
During this time, Emma’s achievements have been many and include partnering with Food Innovation Australia Ltd (FIAL) to help FAN to scale and deliver new member services; co-delivering the GrowCoastal program with the Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast; leading FAN to win a Sunshine Coast Business Award three years running; and implementing a new business model.
The acknowledgement of Emma’s role at FAN by FIAL’s Managing Director Mirjana Prica, is testament to her wider contribution to our industry.
‘Many across the industry turn to FAN to learn about clusters and their operating model – all thanks to Emma’s ingenuity and ability to make lasting connections that stick and deliver real value to members.’
More recently Emma succeeded in leading a collaborative funding bid which has resulted in the set up of the Turbine project. This important game changing project will give FAN a home and provide lasting benefits for FAN members.
Her unwavering commitment to our members – by creating collaborative opportunities, connections, initiatives and value – has been her most significant contribution – and will be her biggest legacy.
She has built a dedicated team who are well placed with the support of the Board to manage the transition process.
While we are saddened by Emma’s resignation, it represents the next step in the evolution of FAN. All of the ingredients are in place for FAN to continue to provide opportunities for our members to connect, collaborate and grow.
This transition has been strategically planned and will be well managed by a supportive board and strong leadership team led by Nicole McNaughton, who will act as Interim CEO whilst FAN’s Board undertakes a national recruitment process.
We invite you to view Emma’s personal message HERE and look forward to sharing details of her farewell celebration in due course.
In the interim, please don’t hesitate to contact myself or Nicole.
Personally I will miss Emma’s enthusiasm and passion for FAN and her constant new ideas for our organisation.
And on behalf of the Board, I thank Emma for her significant contribution to FAN and our members, industry and regions, and wish her every success for the future.
Kind Regards,
Jacqui Price
FAN Chair.