• Karren Challoner-Miles
    Karren Challoner-Miles
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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

CSIRO has launched the latest round of its Innovate to Grow program, a free eight-week program to support small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) develop research-driven solutions focused on Farm and Food Technology.

Suntory has appointed Ashish Gandham as managing director for Suntory Global Spirits – Oceania, following the launch of the company’s $3 billion multi-beverage business in July 2025.

The federal government has established a new Trade Diversification Network, consisting of 40 peak industry bodies, as part of its $50 million Accessing New Markets Initiative. The member groups will work with government to support global diversification for exporters.