David Wood

Director

BBus (Mgmt) David Wood recently celebrated 40 years of service with the business having joined J E Tipper in 1983 after graduating with a degree in Business (Management) from the Queensland University of Technology. He quickly identified the papaw and papaya industry sectors as key potential growth areas for the company and began to build this part of the business.  Today, J E Tipper is Australia’s largest wholesaler of papaws and papayas and the company specialises in tropical and exotic fruit marketing. David has strong family connections to J E Tipper. His father Ernie was the company’s long-serving general manager, having started his career at Tippers in 1950. Upon Ernie’s retirement in 1996, David and his partners became the company’s shareholders. Read David’s story at HERE.   Contact David at dwood@jetipper.com.au.

David Holman

Chair

David joined the Jetbest board in August 2023. Based in Melbourne, Victoria – David along with his brother Anthony started Tenfarms Pty Ltd, a business in Victoria and NSW driven around ripening infra-structure for Banana, Mango, Avocado and more conventional products such as Citrus, Pomme fruit, Stone fruit, cherry and Mango. Working closely with the team at the Jetbest Group has driven a passion for the tropical produce range.

David has had extensive experience in overseas markets working with some of the largest produce marketing companies in the world, and sees value in finding a home for the whole of crop by leveraging a broad range of off-take for growers.

Working in produce all of his life, David is committed to the industry and finding the best ways to maximise efficiencies as the world becomes more dependant on a lower carbon footprint and the future of the farming community depends on reducing costs to market while delivering a great product that consumers will love.

In June 2026, David was appointed as Chair of the Jetbest board.

Contact David on holmand@tenfarms.com.au.

Aidan Hutton

Director

One the company’s ‘young guns’, Aidan manages the Sydney operations and is responsible for sales of all tropical fruit lines in Tippers’ busy Sydney Market facility, servicing customers to ensure quality fruit is delivered on time and to specification.  Aidan actively sources fruit from current and potential suppliers and identifies sales opportunities with a range of customers. Aidan became a Director in March 2024.

Young, hungry and quick on his feet, Aidan is a family man who loves sport.

Contact Aidan on aidan@jetipper.com.au.

Stephen Tait

Managing Director

Stephen joined the Jetbest Group as a consultant in September 2025 and was recently appointed Managing Director in June 2026.

Stephen brings with him a career that spans the fast-moving consumer goods sector, food manufacturing, peak business leadership, and government relations credentials that translate directly into the commercial, regulatory, and stakeholder environment in which Jetbest operates.

Stephen began his career in the newspaper industry-one of the original fast-moving consumer goods businesses-where the daily discipline of perishable product, high-volume distribution, and retail execution laid foundations that have proved relevant across everything he has done since.

He has extensive corporate and political experience as Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ), the state’s peak business advocacy body, where he led policy, governance, and industry representation across every sector of the Queensland economy, giving him a rare breadth of commercial perspective and a deep understanding of the environment in which Australian food businesses operate.

His more recent connection to the food industry is direct and longstanding. As CEO of Maleny Dairies, Stephen led one of Queensland’s most-loved regional food brands, gaining firsthand experience in perishable supply chains, retail relationships, and the unique demands of bringing quality Australian produce to market.

Stephen is passionate about the role fresh produce plays in Australian food culture and sees enormous opportunity in Jetbest’s multi-pillar model to deliver real value for growers, customers, and communities across the supply chain.

Contact Stephen on stephen@jetbestgroup.com.au

Richard Cox

Chief Financial Officer & Company Secretary

Richard Cox is the Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary of Jetbest Group, joining the business in March 2026.

Richard is a CPA-qualified senior finance executive with more than 25 years’ experience across food production, agribusiness, and professional services.

Richard has a strong track record of partnering with executive teams and Boards to drive growth, operational performance, and strategic outcomes. His expertise spans financial leadership, corporate governance, risk management, and commercial decision-making, with significant experience supporting business expansion, new market development, and supply chain operations.

Prior to joining Jetbest Group, Richard held senior leadership roles including Chief Financial Officer at Maleny Dairies and General Manager Finance and Company Secretary at Kilcoy Global Foods Australia. Across these roles, he has led financial transformation initiatives, strengthened reporting and controls, and played a key role in delivering large-scale growth and operational improvements.

Richard is recognised for his collaborative leadership style, strong stakeholder engagement, and ability to build high-performing teams focused on delivering sustainable business outcomes.

Contact Richard on rcox@jetbestgroup.com.au

Shannon Adolphs

Senior Sales Manager

Dip Bus Mgmt

Shannon manages J E Tipper vibrant banana section at the Rocklea Markets in Brisbane and manages the popular Flavour First program.  As well as primary sales responsibility, Shannon sources fruit from growing regions, liaises with growers, and maintains and develops a growing customer base.

With almost 20 years of market experience, including more than 15 years in the challenging banana market, Shannon uses his experience and expertise to develop marketing strategies for industry growth.  He joined the Tipper Team in 2008, became a shareholder in 2010, and Director of Jet Direct in 2015.

Contact Shannon at Shannon@jetipper.com.au.

Adrian Buchanan

Tropical and Exotic Fruit Sales

Adrian began his career with Tippers at Rocklea in 2010.  His leadership potential was quickly recognised and he was offered the opportunity to move to Sydney when Tippers expanded its operations there in 2013.  He is now a shareholder.

Initially, Adrian handled all of Tippers’ product lines in Sydney, but he has since specialised in custard apples  and is the ‘go to’ person for Tippers’ expanding portfolio of exotic fruit.

In his spare time, Adrian enjoys motor sport.

Contact Adrian on adrian@jetipper.com.au.

David Hatem

Senior Salesman

David joined the business in late 2018 and is a senior member of our sales team on the JE Tipper trading floor, based in the Sydney markets.

Contact David on davidh@jetipper.com.au.

Rodney Bird

General Manager

Rodney Bird joined the business as General Manager of the Jetbest Group in April 2022. Rodney joined us with over 34 years’ experience within the fresh produce sector at Metcash and Coles.

Rodney applies his skills and management experience across all our locations and business divisions to ensure that we are fully leveraging the combined strength of the group.

Outside of work, Rodney enjoys the great outdoors, with camping and boating being top of the list. Rodney is also a member of the Jetbest Senior Leadership Team.

Thomas Barnes

General Manager - Beemart

Thomas is one of the groups future leaders with experience and a bachelors degree in business maritime and logistics management.

Thomas began with JE Tipper in early 2019 on the sales floor under the companies longest standing employee and undisputedly one of the best salesmen in the Brisbane markets. After 3 years as Queensland Operations Manager, in 2025, Thomas was promoted to General Manager – Beemart.  Thomas is responsible for managing all aspects of our Beemart business.

Thomas continues to be a prominent part of the future of the groups leadership and is a member of the Jetbest Senior Leadership Team.

Contact Thomas at thomas@jetipper.com.au.

Daniel Pennisi

National Sales Manager

Daniel joined the team in October 2021.  Working for our Beemart business, Daniel leads our engagement with the independent retail sector and has extensive experience in fresh produce. Daniel is also a member of the Jestbest Group Senior Leadership Team.

Outside of work, Daniel’s passion is soccer, and he is currently the Assistant Coach at Peninsula Power FC, which competes in the elite National Premier League QLD.

Contact Daniel at daniel@beemart.com.au.

Mark Romeo

General Manager - International Trade

Mark joined the team in October 2023.  Mark leads our import/export division and is based in Sydney.  Mark brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the business, having started his journey in the fresh produce industry in 2007. With a career encompassing various facets of the industry, Mark’s arrival is a significant milestone as the Jetbest Group continues to grow and expand our team.

Contact Mark at mromeo@jetipper.com.au

Jannelle Harris

National Account Manager

Sydney based Jannelle joined the team in August 2020. Jannelle has been in the fruit & veggie industry for 34 years, starting at the tender age of 18!! Jannelle began her career in administration and progressed to managing warehouse operations for Moraitis. She then moved over to operations and management of prepacking facilities for approx. 20 years, firstly with Moraitis and then AAA. Jannelle has two beautiful kids (now adults), raising them on her own whilst working hard to achieve her goals in the industry.

Contact Jannelle at jannelle@jetipper.com.au.

Julio Bray-Formas

Group HR Manager

Julio joined the business in July 2024. Julio is based in Brisbane and has responsibility for all our group HR functions.   He has over 15 years experience in a variety of HR and recruitment roles.

Contact Julio at julio@jetbestgroup.com.au

Rod Griffith

National Sales Co-Ordinator

Rod joined the business in May 2023, after a 30 year career in national retail and national account roles. Rod is based in Brisbane and has responbility for seasonal produce category development, grower relations & market operations.  Rod also has responbility for our Passionfruit program, which is delivering class leading new varieties into the market in partnership with our growers.

Contact Rod on rgriffith@jetipper.com.au.

Marina Rodrigues

Group QA Manager

Marina joined the business in June 2023 and is based in Brisbane. Marina manages food safety compliance across all Jetbest Group locations.

Contact Marina on mrodrigues@jetbestgroup.com.au.

Nicole Lenske

Group Marketing and Culture Manager

Nicole joined the team in May 2023 and leads, develops and implements total group marketing strategies across all business units and brand portfolios, as well as supporting the creation and implementation of sales and marketing initiatives. Nicole also leads our people and culture programs, including the Jetbest Development team.

Outside of work, Nicole enjoys spending time with family and friends and is currently undertaking a Graduate Diploma in Psychology.

Contact Nicole at nlenske@jetipper.com.au.

Paul Fagg

Group Safety and ESG Manager

Paul joined the business in 2020 and has undertaken various roles within the business, including marketing and HR roles.  Paul moved into his current role in 2024 and oversees Group safety compliance.  He also manages our ethical standards compliance and continues to provide HR support.  Paul is also a member of the Jetbest Senior Leadership Team.

Contact Paul on paulf@jetipper.com.au

Tamika Russ

Continuous Improvement Manager

Tamika joined the business in 2016 and has undertaken various administrative and financial roles.  Tamika moved into her current role in 2023 and oversees the development and implementation of our IT systems and infrastructure, as well as driving operational efficiency.

Contact Tamika on tamika@jetipper.com.au