Nuffield Australia Appoints 2015 Scholar Andy Clarke as Chief Executive Officer
After an extensive national search, the Board of Nuffield Australia is delighted to announce the appointment of 2015 Nuffield Scholar Andy Clarke (Bendigo, Victoria) as the organisation’s new Chief Executive Officer.
Andy brings a powerful combination of technical expertise, commercial acumen and sector-wide leadership to the role. A graduate of the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Viticulture), he began his career as Chief Viticulturalist at Yering Station, building a strong reputation for innovation and performance in premium wine production.
Most recently, Andy served as Program Manager – Regional Innovation at Wine Australia, where he led national extension and adoption programs focused on research translation, emerging technologies and value creation across Australia’s wine sector. His work centred on delivering clear value propositions and driving practical, on-farm adoption of innovation.
Andy also brings prior CEO experience from AgTech startup GAIA Innovations, where he led the commercialisation of the GAIA web app platform—further strengthening his credentials in technology-enabled agricultural advancement.
As a Nuffield Scholar and experienced industry leader, Andy is uniquely positioned to deliver on Nuffield Australia’s new strategic direction and strengthening the charitable purpose: advancing sustainable and profitable primary production through an outstanding international scholarship experience that builds a prestigious and influential agricultural network.
Andy joined the Board of Nuffield Australia in September 2025 as an elected Member Director and served as Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee. He will resign from the Board effective 28 February to assume the CEO position. The Board has determined to leave the Director position vacant, with recruitment for Member Director roles commencing in May 2026 ahead of voting at the September AGM.
Andy will commence as CEO from the 2nd March 2026.
Until that time, Guy Hebblewhite (2013 Scholar) will continue as Executive Director. The Board extends its sincere thanks to Guy for his leadership over the past six months, including significant improvements to financial management and investment fund oversight. Following a structured induction and handover period, Guy will return to his role as Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Finance, Audit, Investment and Risk Committee.
The Board is confident that Andy Clarke’s leadership will strengthen Nuffield Australia’s impact, deepen industry engagement and position the organisation for its next phase of growth and influence across Australian agriculture.
Nuffield Australia 2027 scholarship applications are currently open, inviting farmers and those working in the agriculture industry to explore new ideas, challenge convention and help shape a resilient and profitable future for food and fibre production.
Applications close Friday, 8 May 2026. Successful recipients will be announced at the Nuffield Australia National Conference in Darwin on 9-10 September 2026.
For more information and to apply, visit nuffield.com.au/how-to-apply
