Richard Forbes

Richard Forbes has been the Chief Executive Officer of Independent Food Distributors Australia (IFDA), representing distributors across Australia’s $50 billion foodservice sector. Like RWTA members, IFDA members play a vital role in the nation’s food cold chain, supporting the hospitality industry.

With more than two decades of experience across agriculture, media, government and the food industry, Richard’s career includes farming, radio and television,  and advising former Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile across the Agriculture, Transport, Regional Development and Trade portfolios. He also held senior corporate affairs, government relations and communications roles in the private sector across four continents.

A respected advocate and strategic communicator, Richard championed the call for a National Food Security Plan and chairs the Food and Grocery Sector Forum. Throughout his tenure at IFDA, he worked closely with the RWTA on issues affecting both organisations and their members.