Steve brings an extensive background in the Australian and international fresh food industry to his position as Chief Executive Officer of the Tipper Group.  Commercially astute and a practiced leader, Steve is experienced in managing and mentoring diverse teams, strategic planning and implementation, international trade, financial management, and corporate governance.

Steve’s in-depth knowledge of the rapidly evolving food industry from a domestic and global perspective expedites Tropical Fruit Direct’s response to ‘paddock-to-plate’ opportunities and helps forge effective partnerships throughout the supply chain.  He has developed export opportunities to 18 countries and is skilled in identifying and developing new domestic and international markets.

As a former business owner in the hospitality and retail food sector, Steve appreciates the need to remain responsive and innovative to meet market demands, putting customer service at the heart of all initiatives. 

Ian is a Director of Tropical Fruit Direct Pty Ltd and Skybury Pty Ltd. Following a successful military career in Rhodesia and Oman, and corporate roles in the UK, Ian was drawn to farming in Australia. He established the Skybury farming business in 1987. Skybury is a diverse business growing coffee, papaya, and other topical fruits. Skybury is also involved in agricultural research and tourism, employing around 80 full time staff.

Ian remains hands-on in the business, having the responsibility for Skybury’s nutrient and water management programs, research, business analysis, planning and budgets. Ian believes that farmers should enjoy transactional transparency for goods sold and enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship with their supply partners.

Sydney based Jannelle joined the team in August this year.  Jannelle has been in the fruit & veggie industry for 34 years, starting at the tender age of 18!!

Jannelle began her career in administration and progressed to managing warehouse operations for Moraitis. She then moved over to operations and management of prepacking facilities for approx. 20 years, firstly with Moraitis and then AAA.

Jannelle has two beautiful kids (now adults), raising them  on her own whilst working hard to achieve her goals in the industry.  Jannelle can be contacted on 0409 065 279 or email [email protected]

Candy is General Manager of Skybury and her primary role is the production and facilitation of sales through Tropical Fruit Direct. The oldest of three siblings, Candy returned to the family business to oversee the day to day operations of the Skybury, including Papaya production and quality. Candy provides support to the Skybury Management team and as well as having responsibility for day to day coordination with our marketing operations at Tropical Fruit Direct and its retail/wholesale partners.

Candy has a degree with honours in Communication and Design and has worked both in the UK and Australia. Her most dynamic role to date was with QLD corrections where she spent 7 years as a Custodial Officer, in a maximum-security all male jail. Candy lives on the farm with her three children.

Nicole joined the team in May 2023 and leads, develops and implements total group marketing strategies across all business units and brand portfolios, as well as supporting the creation and implementation of sales and marketing initiatives.

Outside of work, Nicole enjoys spending time with family and friends and is currently undertaking a Graduate Diploma in Psychology.