• Karren Challoner-Miles
    Karren Challoner-Miles
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Visual Connections has appointed Karren Challoner-Miles as executive general manager – Association, effective immediately. This appointment follows a restructuring of the organisation, which also saw Sarah Moore promoted to general manager – Trade Shows and Events.

Mitch Mulligan, president of Visual Connections, commented on the selection process. “We were impressed and encouraged by the calibre of candidates who expressed interest in the role, but Karren’s experience and qualifications made her the obvious choice to lead Visual Connections into the future,” he said.

Challoner-Miles brings extensive experience in marketing, brand management, and product leadership across various sectors, including energy, technology, telecommunications, and publishing. Her background includes managing marketing strategies for both private and board-led organisations across the Asia-Pacific region.

“I’m excited to join the association and to capitalise on all the great work outgoing CEO Peter Harper has achieved during his 18-year tenure,” said Challoner-Miles. “I’m fortunate that I can work alongside him for the next few weeks and benefit from his extensive knowledge of the industry.”

With an established schedule of events for the upcoming year and plans for the flagship PacPrint exhibition in Sydney in May, Mulligan expressed confidence in the transition. 

“We have a strong team in place at Visual Connections, and I know Karren’s expertise and leadership will complement their operational strengths and deep industry knowledge as we seek to support a sustainable future for the industry.”

Mulligan welcomed Challoner-Miles, stating, “It really is the start of a new era.”

Food & Drink Business

Months after announcing its exit from food science research, CSIRO has released a regional food system strategy for South East Queensland, calling for coordinated action on supply chains, land use, and food security ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A further $6.9 million has been allocated to five successful applicants through the federal Industry Growth Program (IGP), including several developing technologies to support the Australian food system. The latest round includes Bioborne, C Sea Solutions, Seascape Restorations Australia, and Levur.

Methane-reducing feed additive developer, Sea Forest, has entered into an agreement with New South Wales-based farm, Avondale Ag, to supplement 5000 cattle with SeaFeed, for an initial term of 12 months.