• Karren Challoner-Miles
    Karren Challoner-Miles
Close×

Visual Connections has appointed Karren Challoner-Miles as executive general manager – Association, effective immediately. This appointment follows a restructuring of the organisation, which also saw Sarah Moore promoted to general manager – Trade Shows and Events.

Mitch Mulligan, president of Visual Connections, commented on the selection process. “We were impressed and encouraged by the calibre of candidates who expressed interest in the role, but Karren’s experience and qualifications made her the obvious choice to lead Visual Connections into the future,” he said.

Challoner-Miles brings extensive experience in marketing, brand management, and product leadership across various sectors, including energy, technology, telecommunications, and publishing. Her background includes managing marketing strategies for both private and board-led organisations across the Asia-Pacific region.

“I’m excited to join the association and to capitalise on all the great work outgoing CEO Peter Harper has achieved during his 18-year tenure,” said Challoner-Miles. “I’m fortunate that I can work alongside him for the next few weeks and benefit from his extensive knowledge of the industry.”

With an established schedule of events for the upcoming year and plans for the flagship PacPrint exhibition in Sydney in May, Mulligan expressed confidence in the transition. 

“We have a strong team in place at Visual Connections, and I know Karren’s expertise and leadership will complement their operational strengths and deep industry knowledge as we seek to support a sustainable future for the industry.”

Mulligan welcomed Challoner-Miles, stating, “It really is the start of a new era.”

Food & Drink Business

Australian Vintage has appointed Tom Dusseldorp as CEO, as Craig Garvin steps down. Dusseldorp joined the winemaker in 2022 as CCO and was responsible for marketing and brand strategies in the local and global markets.

TasFoods says its sale of the former Betta Milk processing site in Burnie, Tasmania has fallen through. CEO, Joshua Fletcher, said the company is seeking damages and will look for a new buyer.

Hydration supplement company, LVL UP, was co-founded in 2021 by Melbourne-based entrepreneurs, Madison Verrocchi and Austin Xenos, aiming to create a better-for-you beverage additive for everyday hydration. Food & Drink Business spoke with the team about the company’s rise and hydration market trends in Australia.