Gina Wessel
Mount Evelyn
Summary
Analytical, proactive and detail-oriented individual with extensive expertise and over 10 years experience in the Australian cherry industry. A collaborative and communicative team player with ownership mentality. Well-versed in developing the highest quality strategic and practical solutions.
High level and up to date cherry industry knowledge, experience of both Bloom Fresh and other cherry varieties and rootstocks, growing practices, industry specific needs and processes, labour requirements, infrastructure and an understanding of all aspects of vertically integrated cherry organisational structures in Australia.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Commercial Manager / Licensee Representative
International Fruit Genetics / Bloom Fresh
12.2017 - Current
- Utilised key industry contacts and relations to build IFG/Bloom Fresh cherry program in the Australian region from the ground up.
- Establishing new relations in new territories and overseeing the expansion of the cherry program nationwide, in collaboration with commercial and technical team.
- Maintain excellent relations with licensees and co-workers, by utilising experience, knowledge and working relationships within the Australian cherry industry and beyond.
- Commercialised IFG cherry program in Australia.
- Oversee royalty payment and site audits.
- Maintain contracts and all legal IP paperwork.
- Oversee importation of material.
- Commercial strategy and forecasting, commercial lead in the region.
- Complete and adhere to budgets as required.
- Increase of commercial plantings year on year.
- Manage and establish new licensees and stake holders nationwide.
Manager
Cherry Rootstocks Australia Pty Ltd
08.2013 - 12.2017
- Maintained IP contracts and licensing for multiple international cherry breeding programs within Australia.
- Managed importation and security of material for multiple international cherry breeding programs within Australia.
- Liaised with large commercial nurseries for wholesale orders.
- Oversee and plan commercial cherry plantings, including variety and block layouts.
- Oversee royalty payments and plant databases for cherry breeding programs. Submit accurate plant reports.
- Manage PBR (Plant Breeders Rights) examinations and coordinate PBR protection for Australian territory, on behalf of multiple international cherry breeding programs.
Project Manager
Cherryhill Orchards Pty Ltd
12.2017 - Current
- Planned, designed, and scheduled large infrastructure projects within the commercial and tourism side of the cherry growing business.
- Managed large cherry packing shed build, farm buildings and complex cherry tourism builds including Retail Store, Amenities and Restaurant.
- Reported regularly to managers on project budget, progress and technical problems.
- Scheduled and facilitated meetings between project stakeholders to discuss deliverables, schedules and conflicts.
- Monitored project performance to identify areas of improvement and make adjustments.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to resolve project issues and mitigate risks.
- Achieved project deadlines by coordinating with contractors and internal stakeholders.
- Met project deadlines on time and within budget constraints.
Corporate Cherry Sales - Manager
Cherryhill Orchards Pty Ltd
11.2012 - 08.2013
- Built and maintained relationships with new and existing corporate cherry clients while providing high level of expertise.
- Responded to customer inquiries and resolved complaints.
- Generated new sales leads to achieve and exceed sales goals.
- Worked in large cherry packing facility, overseeing quality assurance and smooth process of cherry orders from orchard through to client delivery.
- Developed and cultivated lucrative relationships with both new and existing corporate cherry clients through effective communication and exemplary interpersonal skills.
- Maintained up to date knowledge on cherry varieties and industry information.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Screen Studies
Deakin University
Melbourne, VIC12.2005
Project Management - Foundation & Practitioner
Hilogic Melbourne
Melbourne, VIC2019
High School Diploma -
Caulfield Grammar School
Wheelers Hill, VIC2002
Skills
- Compelling Leadership Skills
- Contract Management
- Business Administration
- Time Management
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Business Development
- Strategic Planning
- Industry Knowledge
- Fast and Conscientious Learner
- Continuous Improvements
Travel, Family & Music
Playing in Rock Band Long Holiday
Travel and camping with my family
Playing with my daughter Ivy June
Timeline
Commercial Manager / Licensee Representative
International Fruit Genetics / Bloom Fresh
12.2017 - Current
Project Manager
Cherryhill Orchards Pty Ltd
12.2017 - Current
Manager
Cherry Rootstocks Australia Pty Ltd
08.2013 - 12.2017
Corporate Cherry Sales - Manager
Cherryhill Orchards Pty Ltd
11.2012 - 08.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Screen Studies
Deakin University
Project Management - Foundation & Practitioner
Hilogic Melbourne
High School Diploma -
Caulfield Grammar School
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