Julie Bird

Julie Bird is current Chair of the Hort Innovation Board, a position she has held since 2020 after first being elected as a Director in 2018 and re-elected in 2021. 

An experienced agribusiness leader and non-executive director, Julie brings more than 30 years of experience across Australian horticulture, with expertise spanning nuts, summerfruit, citrus, apples and pears. She also serves as a Non-Executive Director of the Cotton Research & Development Corporation and Grain Producers SA. Since 2012 she has been business owner of ‘Say It With Flowers’ a retail florist  based in Malvern, Victoria.

Julie’s prior leadership roles include CEO of the Almond Board of Australia and Manager of Quality Fruit Marketing, as well as board positions with Plant Health Australia, United Almonds Limited, and the Australian Nut Industry Council. She has held independent chair positions with Australian Seafood Industries, the Apple and Pear Industry Advisory Committee, and the South Australian Apiary Industry Advisory Group. Julie brings a strong background in governance and finance, complimented by practical industry knowledge and experience in marketing, biosecurity and stakeholder engagement.

Julie is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors Company Directors course, holds a Master of Business Administration (Executive) and a Bachelor of Teaching.