Friday, September 11, 2026
The Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) held its Annual General Meeting on 26 August 2026, electing its Committee of Management for the coming term.The Committee elected Brian Thorpe, International Shipping Manager - Visy Industries, as Chair, succeeding Olga Harriton, Global Logistics Manager – Manildra Group, who has served in the role for the past six years and will continue to contribute as a member of the Committee of Management.Commenting on his appointment, Brian paid tribute to Olga's six years of leadership and affirmed his commitment to building on her work:"I would like to thank and congratulate Olga on her six years as Chair of the APSA Committee of Management. Her dedication and commitment to achieving better outcomes for Australian exporters has been greatly appreciated by members.
As I step into the role, I look forward to continuing Olga's work and supporting APSA's efforts to champion the interests of Australian exporters. At a time of significant challenges across global shipping and supply chains, APSA has an important role to play in ensuring the voice of Australian shippers is heard." said Brian Thorpe
APSA members at the AGM and guests of the inaugural 2026 Australia & New Zealand Shipping & Logistics Conference acknowledged Olga's leadership over the past six years , including her commitment to advancing the interests of Australian cargo owners and strengthening APSA's advocacy role across industry and government.
Below is the APSA board and committee of management for 2026-27 as elected 26 August 2026 is:Chair: Brian Thorpe (Visy Industries)Vice Chair: Mark Christmas (QMAG) Treasurer: Michael Brittain (AGT Foods Australia)Secretariat: Paul Zalai (Freight & Trade Alliance)Olga Harriton (Manildra Group)Brian Wright (Australian International Movers Association);Sarah Singh (Fletcher International Exports)Flaminio Dondina (Casella Family Brands)APSA looks forward to continuing a constructive dialogue with government, regulators and industry stakeholders, while further strengthening engagement with international shipper organisations and advocacy bodies to ensure Australian shippers are effectively represented on issues affecting freight competitiveness and supply chain performance.
Tom Jensen - General Manager Freight Policy & Operations - FTA / APSA