End Food Waste Australia Leadership Announcement

12 MARCH, 2026

End Food Waste Australia (EFWA) has today announced that Tristan Butt has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer to pursue other professional opportunities.

The Board has appointed current Director Policy, Communications & Strategic Engagement, Wendy Hughes, as Acting CEO.

Originally from regional South Australia and now based in Cairns, Wendy has a longstanding interest in food systems and sustainability. Most recently, she served as the Chief Executive Officer of COUCH, a Queensland-based cancer support service, following advocacy leadership roles with Cairns Regional Council, Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils, and Advance Cairns.

As Director Policy, Communications & Strategic Engagement, Ms Hughes has played a central role in shaping End Food Waste Australia’s strategy and partnerships and is well placed to lead the organisation through this period of change.

During his tenure, Tristan led EFWA through a strategic reset and organisational transition, building on the foundations of the CRC and helping position the organisation for its next phase of impact and growth.

The Board thanks Tristan for his contribution during this important period and wishes him every success in his future endeavours.

The Board will shortly commence a process to appoint a permanent CEO.

End Food Waste Australia remains focused on delivering its mission and strategic priorities, with the Board confident in the strength of the leadership team and the continued momentum of the organisation’s work with its partners.

About End Food Waste Australia

End Food Waste Australia’s vision is an Australia without food waste, starting with halving food waste by 2030. We will end food waste in Australia through research and innovation, industry action, policy development and behaviour change.

We conduct world-leading research through the End Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre, funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources. We lead bold and innovative industry action and collaboration through the Australian Food Pact and Sector Action Plans.

End Food Waste Australia has formed one of the world’s largest dedicated public-private partnerships of more than 100 organisations focused on addressing Australia’s $36.6 billion food waste challenge. Together, we aim to create a more productive, sustainable, and resilient Australian food system by ending food waste and food insecurity.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Jocelyn Somerford
Corporate Communications Manager
End Food Waste Australia
Ph: 0426 220 181
Email: jocelyn@endfoodwaste.com.au