SecondBite’s new CEO has an appetite to grow food rescue

The not-for-profit announces two senior leadership appointments with a new Chair and CEO

MELBOURNE – Monday 9 October, 2023: Australia’s largest food rescue organisation that provides food free of charge has appointed a new CEO. Daniel Moorfield, who brings an extensive career in the food sector and a passion for people, took the helm of SecondBite on September 12.  

In tandem, the organisation has elected a new Chair, Joel Mahemoff, who is Chief Executive Officer of JGL Investments, a long-time philanthropic supporter of SecondBite.

Moorfield and Mahemoff share a keen interest in helping Australians in need and protecting the environment and are both committed to further drive the not-for-profit’s mission of ending waste and ending hunger.

“Each year, five million Australians face food insecurity yet 7.6 million tonnes of food is wasted. The numbers just don’t add up and I want to help change that,” Moorfield said.

“The team at SecondBite does an incredible job helping to feed millions of Australians every year. I’m thrilled to be leading such a wonderful organisation and recognise the significant responsibility I have to continue to increase our positive impact.”

With more than 25 years’ experience in leadership positions at food businesses across Australia and Asia, Moorfield most recently ran the Asia Pacific zone for McCormick, the world’s leading herb and spice company. In his capacity as President, he was responsible for driving growth and facilitating transformation to ensure the business remained sustainable and profitable. He initiated strategic business relationships and led more than 900 employees. Prior to McCormick, Moorfield was CFO for SPC Ardmona and his responsibilities included managing crop supply, procurement, demand planning, warehousing and logistics.

Mahemoff joined the board of SecondBite in April 2023. He has spent more than two decades with JGL Investments, one of Australia’s most prolific private investment groups with a diverse range of interests in Australia and Internationally. He also maintains private company directorships for a number of global and domestic strategic investments of the Group.

“I’m delighted to Chair an organisation that is addressing the biggest issues facing society today. I’m also excited to welcome Daniel to the CEO role; we were impressed with his commercial acumen and passion and look forward to a new chapter with him taking the reins,” Mahemoff said.

At McCormick, Moorfield worked with food charities in India, Thailand, Singapore and Australia, providing food but also spending time on the ground with them, cooking meals for those in need. He says this experience gave him a new perspective.

“I’ve always been mindful of the issue of food wastage and food insecurity globally and in my previous roles, worked to ensure a focus on giving back to the communities in which we operated,” he said.

Moorfield will be based in Melbourne however, with SecondBite rescuing and repurposing food in every state and territory, his remit will stretch nation-wide.

“I will look to explore ways we can rescue enough food to meet community demand, ensure our operations are sustainable long term and engage key stakeholders and community groups to achieve our purpose of ending waste and ending hunger in Australia.”

“I have been very fortunate in my career in that I’ve had the opportunity to work and travel all across the world. I am very conscious of how lucky I have been and am looking forward to a new chapter in a more purpose-led role with an Australian not-for-profit where I can give back to the community.”

“There’s a food waste crisis in Australia. At the same time, millions of people are going hungry. SecondBite works with growers, manufacturers and retailers to rescue quality, nutritious food and delivers it to the people who need it most. I’m humbled to now be a part of this effort,” concluded Moorfield.