Directors
Paul Bennett
Dip Mgt
Chairman
Paul has been a director of Ashgrove Cheese since it was established in 2001, and was appointed Chairman, on the retirement of his father, John Bennett in late 2012. Paul joined the family farming business in 1987 and was named Tasmanian Farm Apprentice of the Year in 1989. Paul graduated from Marcus Oldham Farm Management College in Victoria with a Diploma in Farm Management with honours. For many years Paul has been the Farm Manager and is now a partner in the family dairy and farming business, Ashgrove Farms. Paul was Rural Youth Tasmania State President in 1998 and 1999 and is a member of the Elizabeth Town Fire Brigade. Paul was Chairman of Dairy Tas from 2007 to 2013.
Richard Bennett
Dip Dairy Tech (Food)
Director
Richard was appointed General Manager of Ashgrove Cheese in early 2011, and is responsible for the overall management and production of the factory. While still at school Richard spent his holidays learning the craft of cheese making and won his first cheese in award in 1997. After studying Dairy Technology at the University of Melbourne, Richard returned to the business as a specialist cheese maker and became chief cheese maker in 2001. Over the years Richard has been responsible for the development of our new products and many of the awards we have received. Richard is Captain of the local Elizabeth Town Fire Brigade and has been involved in the local Fire Brigade for 15 years.
Susan Bennett
LLM(Hons), MBA, GAICD, FGIA
Director & Company Secretary
Susan is a lawyer and business advisor with over 25 years’ experience. Susan is the Principal of Sibenco Legal & Advisory and Co-founder and Director of Information Governance ANZ. She holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Laws and is a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia. Susan grew up on the farm surrounding the Ashgrove cheese factory and store and is regularly in Tasmania.
Maureen Bennett
BA
Director
Maureen is a director of Ashgrove Cheese and a partner in the family dairy and farming business, Ashgrove Farms. Maureen has a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in history and geography. Maureen is a member of the Northern Tasmanian regional Board of Natural Resource Management and for 13 years was a member of the Advisory Council of Landcare Australia Ltd. She is also a member of the Landcare Tasmania committee.
Management
Richard Bennett
Dip Dairy Tech (Food)
General Manager & Director
Richard was appointed General Manager in early 2011. While still at school Richard spent his holidays learning the craft of cheese making and won his first cheese in award in 1997. After studying Dairy Technology at the University of Melbourne, Richard returned to the business as a specialist cheese maker and became chief cheese maker in 2001. Over the years Richard has been responsible for the development of our new products and many of the awards we have received. Richard is Captain of the local Fire Brigade.
BCom, CPA
Finance ManagerAdrian has over 18 years’ experience as a qualified accountant and is responsible for managing all financial aspects of the company. Adrian joined in 2014 and throughout his career has worked for leading Tasmanian and Australian food companies in various financial management and project management roles.
BFA Fine Arts, Dip Bus, MBA (Professional) Comms 2018
Marketing & Communications Manager
Anne is responsible for marketing and communication of all our products. Prior to joining in 2012, Anne had over 15 years of hospitality and small business experience, having owned cafes and catering businesses in central Hobart. Anne is responsible for our participation in major fine food events around Australia – including Taste of Tasmania and the Food & Wine Shows – and is passionate about fresh Tasmanian produce.
BAqua
Cheese Production Manager
Shane is our Production Manager and oversees all aspects of cheese production. Shane joined Ashgrove Cheese in 2007 and as well as being a cheese maker, supervises the team involved in making our premium quality products. Shane graduated with a degree in Aquaculture from the University of Tasmania. He is a keen angler and lives in Sheffield.
Tasmanian Milk Sales & Distribution ManagerRoy joined Ashgrove Cheese in 2009 after 15 years’ experience with one of Australia’s major retailers including as a supermarket manager. Roy is responsible for our milk, cream and butter sales in Tasmania. Roy is originally from New Zealand and although now a Tasmanian remains an avid All Blacks supporter.
Jordan Szmekura
GradCertBus(Mgt), GradDipBus(Adm), MBus(Mgt)
National Account Manager
Jordan joined our team in 2016, with over 18 years’ experience in the FMCG industry he is responsible for maintaining and expanding relationships with our key national accounts and customers.Throughout his career, Jordan has worked for some of Australia’s largest food companies in various account management and project management roles