Phil Biggs has been elected chair of the Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA), succeeding Rob Marguccio, with Rosanne Jessop and Mark Emmett continuing in their executive roles.
The APPMA Board elected its executive committee at its first meeting following the association's annual general meeting on 13 October, appointing Biggs as chair, re-electing Pilz Australia and New Zealand managing director Rosanne Jessop as deputy chair, and HMPS PROPAC owner Mark Emmett as treasurer.
Biggs, who was recently re-elected to the APPMA Board by members, takes over from Marguccio, who stepped down after 20 years of service, including the past two as chair.
Biggs said he was proud to have been returned to the Board by industry members and honoured to have the support of fellow directors to lead the association.
"The Australian packaging and processing industry is navigating a period of significant change. Emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning and predictive maintenance are transforming the way businesses operate, creating both challenges and opportunities for our members," he said.
"APPMA's role is to help industry embrace these changes, build capability and create opportunities for growth, while continuing to provide the connections, advocacy and support our members value most."
Biggs said the upcoming APPEX 2027 exhibition would be an important focus as the association looks to strengthen its role in supporting Australian packaging and processing businesses.
"As we look towards APPEX 2027 and beyond, I am excited to work alongside the Board, our members and industry stakeholders to strengthen Australia's packaging and processing sector and ensure it remains innovative, competitive and prosperous for years to come."
Industry experience and leadership
Biggs is a board member of Foodmach and a director of Automation and Robotics Technologies (A&RT), both Australian manufacturers of packaging automation solutions. He is also co-founder of Packaging Partners.
He brings more than two decades of industry experience to the chairmanship, spanning engineering, commercial and leadership roles across the construction, automotive and food processing sectors. His career includes 12 years leading sales and marketing at Matthews Australasia.
Biggs holds qualifications in engineering and economics, as well as an MBA, and has exhibited at every AUSPACK and APPEX exhibition since 2001.
Since joining the APPMA Board in February 2025, he has been involved in initiatives to improve member value, strengthen governance and modernise the association's constitution. He has also advocated for inclusion, diversity and industry development.
Continuity in executive roles
Jessop continues as deputy chair, having served on the APPMA Board since 2021. As managing director of Pilz Australia and New Zealand, she brings more than 25 years of experience in manufacturing, automation and digitalisation.
Jessop was involved in the delivery of APPEX 2024 and has supported initiatives focused on industry participation, inclusion and opportunities for Australian businesses to engage with global markets.
She also serves on the advisory council of the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
Emmett has been re-elected treasurer, continuing a long association with APPMA that began when he joined the Board in September 2006.
With more than 35 years in the packaging industry, Emmett is the owner of HMPS PROPAC, which supplies packaging solutions to FMCG manufacturers across Australia and international markets.
The business has expanded through several acquisitions, including Propac Industrial, liquid filling technology business Engi-O in 2025, and Enmin in 2026, adding product handling, vibratory feeding and weighing systems to its portfolio.
As treasurer, Emmett provides financial oversight and guidance to support the association's financial stability. Throughout his Board tenure, he has also advocated for industry education, member support services and stronger representation of packaging and processing businesses.
Marguccio's two decades of service
The leadership transition follows the departure of former chair Rob Marguccio, who stepped down from the Board at the conclusion of the 2026 annual general meeting after serving since September 2006.
During his tenure, Marguccio played a role in the association's development, including supporting the decision to change its name from the Australian Packaging Machinery Association (APMA) to APPMA, formally recognising processing alongside packaging.
He also chaired the AUSPACK subcommittee during a period of change and was instrumental in the exhibition's evolution into APPEX, broadening its scope to encompass the packaging and processing supply chain.
Marguccio helped develop relationships with other industry organisations, including the Dairy Industry Association of Australia, the Pet Food Association and Hort Connections, and supported the introduction of associate memberships to broaden participation.
According to APPMA, Marguccio cited growing responsibilities at Heat and Control as the reason for stepping down, while indicating he would continue supporting the association where possible.
APPMA thanked Marguccio for his contribution over two decades, recognising his work in strengthening industry connections, expanding member representation and guiding the association through changes to its structure and major exhibition.
The new executive committee takes office as APPMA prepares for APPEX 2027, to be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 16–19 March, with the exhibition expected to provide a major platform for packaging and processing technology, automation and industry engagement.
