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Cherry Growers Australia Appoints New CEO

Penny Measham CEO Cherry Growers AustraliaMEDIA RELEASE

Cherry Growers Australia (CGA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Penny Measham as Chief Executive Officer of CGA, commencing 12 May 2025.

Penny brings to the role an impressive depth of experience across horticulture, trade, research, biosecurity and industry development. She is widely respected within the Australian and international horticulture community and has a long-standing connection to the cherry industry.

CGA President Alison Jones said the appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the organisation.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Penny Measham as the new CEO of CGA. It is a real privilege to have someone of her calibre step into the role,” said Ms Jones.

“Penny, as most know, is dedicated to cherries and passionate about working with CGA to achieve industry’s vision. I’m sure that growers and industry stakeholder alike will make her feel welcome and support this opportunity to strengthen CGA’s position both nationally and globally. This is very exciting progress, and Penny is a terrific candidate.”

Originally from Tasmania, Penny began her career working closely with cherry growers during her applied science degree before going on to complete a PhD focused on key issues in cherry production, including identifying the causes of fruit splitting. During this time, she also contributed as a lecturer and research fellow on industry-specific projects.

Her career spans executive roles at Hort Innovation and the Department of Primary Industries Queensland, where she led programs across international trade, market development, fruit production, plant protection and biosecurity. She is an experienced board member, well-versed in building high-performing teams, skilled in governance and strategic planning as well as delivering complex programs in collaboration with industry and government stakeholders.

Internationally, Penny has contributed to the International Society of Horticultural Science and has presented at global conferences on horticultural production and trade. Despite her broad experience, her focus remains firmly grounded in supporting Australian horticulture and delivering real value for cherry growers.

CGA looks forward to the leadership Penny will bring, as it continues to advocate for the interests of Australian cherry growers across domestic and international markets.

 

 

For media enquiries, please contact:

Cherry Growers Australia

comms@cherrygrowers.org.au

 

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Tony Hannaford

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Tony Hannaford is a cherry grower from South Australia, producing based predominantly in the Torrens Valley of the Adelaide Hills.

Tony’s family have a long history of orcharding. Tony introduced cherries in 1985 and now has multiple varieties spanning a long season with fruit delivered across Australia and the globe. This is all supported by the latest technology in the packing shed.

Tony has long supported and been active for the cherry industry – having also served on the Cherry Industry Strategic Investment Advisory Panel.

Nic Hansen

Director

Nic Hansen is a fourth-generation cherry grower based in Southern Tasmania and brings deep grower knowledge and long-standing industry involvement to the CGA Board.

Nic grows sweet cherries at Old Beach and is part of Hansen Orchards, one of Tasmania’s largest cherry growing businesses. He has previously represented Tasmania as the State Director on the CGA Board and has served on the HIA Cherry SIAP, contributing to national industry planning and decision-making.

Nic is currently serving his second term as President of Fruit Growers Tasmania. He brings a strong grower perspective, practical experience, and a commitment to effective industry leadership, supporting CGA’s role as the national peak body for Australian cherry growers.

Grant Piggott

Honorary Treasurer

Grant Piggott has been Chief Executive Officer of Fruit Producers SA, the grower association for cherries in South Australia since 2023 and served as its representative on the Cherry Growers Australia Board from June 2024.

He brings significant experience in finance, strategy and commercial management.  He is a qualified Chartered Accountant, a member of Australian Institute of Company Directors and has served for 15 years as an elected member in Local Government.

Grant treasures his childhood on a wheat sheep farm in the Upper North of South Australia, still owned by his family. He has maintained links to primary production for almost 30 years of his working career, primarily through his senior management role at the Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society of SA.

In his short tenure as industry representative, he has developed a passion for the successful growing and marketing of quality cherries. Grant is convinced of the deserved glamour status of cherries – healthy, photogenic, delicious, easy to eat and inextricably associated with the joy of Summer and Christmas.

Following his involvement as part of the team which guided the change of Cherry Growers Australia to a company limited by guarantee in May 2025, Grant was invited to serve as a Director on the Board in September 2025 and was appointed Treasurer.

ANDREW FAIRLEY

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Andrew Fairley bio coming soon

Fiona Hall

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Fiona has been an active participant in the cherry industry for 25 years. She was President of NSW Cherry Growers in the past and has served on the cherry Strategic Investment Advisory Panel (SIAP) for past 5 years.

Fiona is currently a board member of Apple & Pear Aust Ltd (APAL) and the FAR (finance, audit and risk) committee for APAL. APAL manage domestic and international brands of produce including Pink Lady® apples. APAL is also the PIB for the 400 plus growers of Australia.

Fiona manages the business activities of BiteRiot, reporting to a board each month. She brings a wealth of experience across corporate governance & strategic planning, finance, business and marketing to the CGA board.

Greg Perry

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Greg Perry brings extensive leadership experience across the cherry industry, infrastructure, and project management, with a strong focus on governance, strategy, and commercial oversight.

Raised in the cherry industry, Greg has a deep understanding of production challenges and the importance of long-term industry sustainability. He is the Managing Director of a project management consultancy, delivering complex infrastructure, development, and operational programs across multiple sectors.

Greg has held senior leadership and board-level roles in both industry and government-aligned organisations, including service on the NSW Cherry Growers Association board and advisory roles supporting strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and investment decision-making. His experience spans financial oversight, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and guiding organisations through periods of structural change.

Greg brings a practical, solutions-focused approach to the CGA Board, with a strong commitment to governance integrity, member representation, and supporting the continued growth and resilience of the Australian cherry industry.

Alison Jones (Sebire)

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I grew up on our family farm in Wandin and picked cherries at an early age.

I loved the camaraderie of working with people and still do today. It is a buzz that makes coming to work enjoyable regardless of what you are doing!!

I studied to be a secondary Art and Craft teacher. However, I wanted to work in the industry first so worked in design and sales in the textile industry in Melbourne and Sydney.

Missing the family business in Sydney I returned to the family, cherries, and WandinValley Farms.

In 2007 our family bought the remaining shares in Wandin Valley Farms, and we all became involved in the business.

In 2016 I became the CEO of Wandin Valley Farms.

I am proud of what we do and the industry we are involved in. We produce a product that is fresh, flavorsome, healthy and creates excitement all bundled in with Christmas and Summer!!

Elected to VCA committee 26th October 2009

Elected to President of VCA 17th October 2013

Elected to President of CGA 24th January 2024