Citrus Australia is on the hunt for a new chief executive, with Judith Damiani set to leave the organisation at year’s end.
Damiani will assist Citrus Australia’s board in the search for her replacement and help the incumbent transition into the role.
After almost a decade at the helm of the peak industry body, Damiani told Asiafruit the time was right to step aside.
“The decision has come with huge mixed feelings,” she explained. “I still love coming to work everyday, almost nine years after I started a chief executive. I held various other roles within the industry for 14 years prior to that, so the industry is something I’m vary passionate about.
“I just think that with the buoyancy and confidence in the industry at the moment it’s the right time to depart. It will be good for Citrus Australia and the industry to get a fresh perspective.”
Citrus Australia chair Tania Chapman paid tribute to Damiani’s time in the role, crediting her with growing the organisation’s membership every year to reach record levels in 2017.
Chapman said Damiani also played a leading role in facilitating an increase in the national R&D and biosecurity levies, along with supporting export growth through improved market access and international relations.
“We cannot thank Judith enough for her dedication, passion and professionalism she has given Citrus Australia not only in her tenure with us but in her long involvement with the Australian citrus industry,” Chapman said. “We look forward to her continued success in her career and are excited for the next chapter of Citrus Australia.”
A full interview with Damiani will appear in the July-August edition of Asiafruit.
