Bernie Brookes AM Appointed Chair of the Australian Food and Grocery Council Board
27 June 2025
The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Bernie Brookes AM as Chair of its Board.
Mr Brookes brings more than four decades of executive and board-level experience in the retail and consumer goods sectors, both in Australia and internationally. He has held senior leadership roles including CEO of Myer Australia and Edcon in South Africa, and Executive Director at Woolworths Australia. His deep understanding of retail operations, supply chain management, and consumer engagement will be invaluable in guiding the AFGC through a period of transformation and growth.
In addition to his executive career, Mr Brookes has served on numerous boards across a diverse range of industries. He is currently Chair of Direct Group (Innovations and TVSN), and Renuon Renewable Energy and has previously sat on Boards of First Unity, Salvation Army Australia and Funtastic. He has also served on the Advisory Board of the World Retail Congress and was the founding judge, in addition to his role as patron of the Joe Berry Memorial Award and induction into the Australian Retail Hall of Fame.
AFGC CEO Colm Maguire welcomed the appointment of the AFGC’s first independent Chair, stating:
“Bernie’s leadership and strategic insight will be instrumental in advancing the Council’s mission to support a thriving, competitive, and sustainable food and grocery sector. His experience across retail and governance makes him uniquely positioned to lead the Board at a time of significant industry evolution.”
“The appointment of an independent chair to the Board of Directors marks a positive step forward in strengthening the governance of the AFGC, ensuring objective leadership, enhancing transparency, and reinforcing trust among members, industry partners, and the broader community.”
Mr Brookes said he was honoured to take on the role:
“I am delighted to be appointed as Independent Chairman in an industry that I have been associated with for over 50 years. The foundations established by the current Chairman and board are strong. I plan to continue that work and focus. I am confident that I can contribute to the AFGC with a focus on the key issues facing the industry such as energy availability and cost, transportation, workforce shortages, automation and AI while developing a collaborative association between retailers, wholesalers and the supplier base of the sector.”
“The AFGC is well-positioned to work collaboratively with retailers to guarantee access to a wide range of high-quality product. With the cost-of-living pressures and local and geopolitical uncertainty it is important that a strong industry representation exists to manoeuvre the industry through uncertain supply lines, through economic uncertainty while developing with a focus of technology, productivity and sustainability “
“The food and grocery sector is a cornerstone of Australia’s economy and community wellbeing. I look forward to working with the Board and AFGC members to support innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth across the industry.”
The AFGC thanks outgoing Chair Anthony Holme for his dedicated service and leadership and looks forward to his continued contribution as a member of the Board.
The Board extends its appreciation to Touchstone Executive Search for their support throughout this thorough process.
