Operations Team
Kathy La Macchia, General Manager
Kathy brings over 20 years experience in the food and dietetics sector. She recently relocated back to Sydney with her family after stints in both US and EU, with her most recent appointment in Holland with Kraft Heinz International as the International Nutrition Lead. At Kraft Heinz, Kathy was responsible for driving the development new food products and communicating to consumers and key stakeholders about food, nutrition, and sustainability commitments.
Kathy also brings prior experience in Australia in nutrition communications and strategy, along with a knowledge of the regulatory and food distribution systems. Kathy has a passion for sustainability, plant proteins, gut health and immunity across all consumer groups and a particular interest in infants, young children, and the elderly
Theresa Pham, Nutrition Manager
Theresa is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and has experience working in community health and the non-for-profit sector.
She has worked on complex nutrition programs and Commonwealth funded projects to monitor and achieve improvements within the Australian food supply. Theresa has a keen interest in nutrition data analytics and working on evaluation projects. She is people orientated therefore enjoys working collaboratively with stakeholders to learn from others and achieve quality solutions with the goal to improve health outcomes of the population.
Toni Gam, Industry Engagement Manager
Toni is the Industry Engagement Manager at the Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council. As a nutritionist with over eight years of communications and marketing experience, Toni specialises in simplifying research into easy-to-digest content for government and not-for-profit organisations, the food industry, health professionals and consumers.
In her role, she identifies opportunities for collaboration with stakeholders, and leads the development and execution of the annual communications strategy, orchestrating impactful campaigns, events, and marketing initiatives. Toni is passionate about making health and nutrition accessible for all and encouraging sustainable eating patterns for public and planetary health.
Board of Directors
Ron Storey
Chair, Appointed 2020
Ron Storey was appointed as GLNC Chair in 2020. He is an agribusiness consultant with specialist grains industry experience. Ron spent 20 years in international grain marketing, before establishing his own consulting business in 2000.
Ron manages Storey Marketing Services, an agribusiness advisory service to the Australian grains and related industries. Ron is currently Chairman of Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC), and a former director of Pulse Australia, Mallee Sustainable Farming and Five Star Flour Mills (Egypt).
Robyn Murray
Director, Appointed 2012
Robyn was appointed to the Board in January 2012 after spending 2 years as General Manager of GLNC. Robyn has 25 years experience in the food industry, leading R&D programs for Campbell Arnott’s and Kellogg’s.
Robyn has had a particular focus on Product Development, Sensory Science and Nutrition, locally and globally. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Food Technology and a Masters of Commerce in Marketing from University of New South Wales, Sydney.
Richard Simonaitis
Director, Appointed 2024
Based in Perth, Richard brings a breadth and depth of industry experience to the role of Grains Australia CEO, having worked in senior management roles in the grains industry and in export-commodity industries.
Most recently, Richard led the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) to significant accomplishments including research to support the commercialisation of new oat rice and noodle products, developing soft and cookie wheat supply chains, and delivering valuable business insights into the future outlook for Australian grain.
Andrew May
Director, Appointed 2024
Andrew is the Co-CEO of Essantis (formerly Unigrain) and has over a decade of experience in the cereal and food manufacturing industry. Andrew has been heavily involved in Essantis’ continuing evolution, particularly relating to its investments in building large-scale alternate protein and oat milk supply chains in Australia.
Andrew’s original background is within the finance sector where he worked in a range of corporate advisory roles within Australia and the UK.
Dr Lisa Ronquest Ross
Director, Appointed 2024
Lisa is a passionate Food Scientist with extensive global R&D experience working for a variety of multinationals that include Unilever, Mars and Woolworths.
Before joining v2food in Australia, Lisa was the R&D Executive for MANE Flavours leading their Innovation Centre and R&D program for Sub-Saharan Africa based in Cape Town. Lisa is currently Chief Science Officer where she is responsible for developing, leading, and translating v2food’s science research strategy into breakthrough products that help unlock barriers to plant-based meat adoption. Lisa has a particular passion for ensuring the application of science and technology is meaningful for both people and planet. Lisa has recently completed her PhD in Food Science through the University of Stellenbosch. Her research explored the current and future application of food science & technology in South Africa to address food security needs.
Dr Kirsty Germaine
Director, Appointed 2024
Dr Kirsty Germaine is a technical business leader with 25 years’ experience in the grains industry working both in research and the bakery ingredients industry. She holds a PhD in Human Nutrition and Cereal Science from Sydney University and spent her early career in grains research at BRI Australia and the Grain Foods CRC.
She has also been actively involved in industry good activities, as a member for George Weston Foods at GLNC, and on the Wheat Quality Australia and Grains Australia Wheat Councils since 2017.
Kirsty holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Food Science) and is a qualified baker, bringing a unique understanding of nutrition, food ingredient functionality and their commercial applications. In her current role, Kirsty is responsible for the technical, quality & sustainability functions of Mauri, one of Australia & New Zealand’s largest bakery ingredient and animal feed businesses.
Interested in joining our team?
As a small organisation, positions at GLNC are limited. However, we encourage you to follow our LinkedIn page, where we advertise any current open positions.
If you’re a student, researcher or organisation with an interest in the grain, legume or alternative protein space and want to contribute to our next research publications, forums or events, please contact us.