Rocket Seeder Board
Rocket Seeder provides access to an unparalleled community of successful industry leaders, mentors, researchers, and funding opportunities, all available to provide real-life experience and support.
Emma Coath
Managing Director
Emma is the Managing Director of Rocket Seeder Limited in Australia. She has a passion for building a sustainable food and agriculture sector through supporting innovative founders.
Emma has worked in the food and agriculture sector for the past 25 years, in both public and private organisations. Emma has completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Deakin University), a Master of eBusiness (RMIT University) and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Toni Cody
Chair
Toni has an Executive and Consulting Career in FMCG, Retail and SME with a focus in Food and Start Up’s and extensive experience in scaling businesses and attracting investment and partnerships. Previous roles have included Co-Owner of Macro Wholefoods, Senior Commercial Advisor and COO Nourishing Bubs, Business Consultant to MaMa Kaz, Ballantyne Foods and King Island Diaries.
Toni has over 20 years’ experience as a Non-Executive Director in a number of Government, Private, PPP and NFP Arts and Cultural Companies and has recently completed the Emerging Female NED program at EY and an ASX NED Brand Alignment program at Deloitte, to immerse herself in the next generation of key Board issues, particularly in ESG and Risk
Toni currently Chair’s Rocket Seeder Board, is Deputy Chair of The National Film and Sound Archive (Federal Government), NED at Australian Academy of Performing Arts and an Accredited Advisor at The Advisory Board Centre. Past roles included Deputy Chair Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NED at Sydney Theatre Company and The Australian Ballet.
Marcus Kennedy
Non Executive Director
From a rural NSW background, Marcus has had an international business career and developed a broad network in industry, government and not-for-profit sectors. Marcus is an experienced ‘C-suite’ executive and, as CDO (Chief Development Officer), he led the strategy and business development activity for Australia’s largest listed agri-food business (GrainCorp).
Marcus established & led a successful innovation program over 5 years (AgTech, VC, Silicon Valley & direct investments – Terra (FoodBytes!) Agri-FoodTech accelerator, Finistere VC Fund, directly in US/Aust, sponsoring many ‘startups’), previously leading the successful post-merger integration of multiple businesses and the development of the business’ growth strategy. Marcus has extensive experience in designing and implementing transformational change and business growth strategies.
As Executive Chairman of TeleSense Aust., Marcus is active in the innovation ecosystem, as a mentor/coach, an investor in ag-tech startups, and as a business adviser. He is passionate about supporting Australian innovation and fostering emerging leaders across the agri-food sector.
A strategic thinker who enjoys 'creating the future', Marcus has 30 yrs global experience in B2B & B2C service sectors – agri-food, financial services & health services. Prior to joining GrainCorp, Marcus was CEO for Paradigm Financial Services Group and had previously helped design and implement the integration of Suncorp and Promina Insurance. Marcus has had commercial leadership roles in both Westpac and Landmark/AWB and worked in corporate advisory roles with investment banks, both in Australian and internationally.
Marcus has an MBA from London Business School, and completed the Harvard Agribusiness Seminar.
Astrid Rickard
Non-Executive Director
Astrid is a Senior Manager in the food industry with experience in food service, grocery and convenience channels. With a track record of improving top line sales, margins, processes and lifting the capability of teams. Currently a Sales Director at Kerry Taste and Nutrition; Astrid has also held positions with Starbucks, Goodman Fielder, Sonoma Baking Company , BP Australia, Coles, and Retail Food Group.
For the past 25 years Astrid has gained experience in developing food strategies, developing and launching products, design and packaging and honed her skills in food merchandising, category management, food equipment procurement and design, managing sourcing and negotiating. Astrid has completed an undergraduate degree in Industrial Design, Graduate Diploma in Marketing and Graduate Certificate in Corporate Management. She is also a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Amanda Goddard
Non-Executive Director
Amanda is a chartered accountant with experience at KPMG as an external auditor, business development manager and Associate Director of AgTech.
Fred Jones
Company Secretary
Fred is an experienced Company Secretary with more than 35 years of experience in senior management roles for iconic Australian retail brands.