Foodbank Australia has elected Duncan Makeig as its Chair of the Board, succeeding Tony Froggatt.
Having served on the Foodbank Australia Board since the start of 2023, the former Managing Director of Lion Asia Dairy brings a wealth of experience in legal and corporate governance. Mr Makeig’s 30-year management career has seen him work across various senior leadership positions in Australia and the US at Heineken-Lion, PepsiCo, China Road and Tricon Restaurants (Yum! Brands), complementing his agricultural experience as Director of Wirrabilla Pastoral.
According to Foodbank, Mr Makeig is equipped with a deep understanding of the not-for-profit sector having previously chaired the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation and Curing Homesickness and is currently serving as an Independent Non-Executive Director on the Endeavour Board.
“Having sat on the Foodbank Australia Board for the last 18 months, I have seen firsthand the extraordinary impact that Foodbanks have across Australia,” says Mr Makeig.
“I look forward to working alongside my fellow Board members and the Foodbank Australia team, led by CEO Brianna Casey, as we look to build on Tony’s legacy and meet the ever-growing demand for food relief in city and country communities across Australia.”
Outgoing Chair Tony Froggatt leaves the role after a successful nine years, helping build awareness of and trust in Foodbank while fostering closer collaboration between members of the food relief sector over the course of his tenure. This relationship is said to have allowed the sector to promote policies that prioritise the millions of Australians going hungry, notably the ongoing push for a National Food Donation Tax Incentive.
Since joining in 2015, Mr Froggatt has guided the Foodbank team through natural disasters, the Covid pandemic, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
“It has been a privilege to serve as the Foodbank Australia Chair,” he says.
“I have enjoyed the experience, and it has given me such purpose to work alongside my colleagues on the board to make a difference to the lives of so many Australians. I wish Duncan well in this next chapter of Foodbank’s ongoing commitment to helping those in need.”