At Huon, everything we do is oceans ahead. As Australia’s premier producer of Atlantic salmon, we’ve proudly led the way through continuous innovation and the meticulous care we show our fish and our environment.
In January 2025, Charles von der Heyde was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Huon Aquaculture. Charles brings a wealth of global agribusiness experience to the role, having joined Pilgrim’s in February 2010 as Senior Vice President of Commodity Risk Management, Feed Ingredient Purchasing, and Export Sales.
In early 2013 he was appointed CEO of Pilgrims Mexico, a U$ 2billion poultry business, 12 thousand people, where he stayed until recently.
Prior to his time at Pilgrim’s, Charles spent over 29 years with Bunge LTD in Brazil, one of the country’s largest agricultural exporters and a global leader in oilseed processing and wheat milling. His deep industry knowledge and leadership experience position him well to guide Huon Aquaculture into its next phase of growth.
Charles has worked in the Tasmanian aquaculture industry for more than 14 years in commercial, planning & operations roles. Charles’ previous experience includes Coca Cola Amatil, Wesfarmers, James Hardie and Pure Foods.
Charles is a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) and a Fellow of Financial Services Institute of Australia (FINSIA). He also sits on the Board of The District Nurses of Tasmania, as Treasurer.
Hannah is a corporate affairs and communications professional, with experience in media, government and private sector roles. She joined Huon in March 2023, with strong experience in highly regulated sectors, stakeholder management, political engagement and policy development.
Hannah previously held roles in communications and corporate affairs at gaming and hospitality business Federal Group. She was a Senior Adviser to Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman and Deputy Chief of Staff to Attorney General Elise Archer. Hannah is currently Vice President of the Tasmanian Division of the Property Council of Australia and is a graduate of the Tasmanian Leaders Program.
David joined Huon in 2005 and has over 25 years’ experience in aquaculture research and fish farming. In his time at Huon, David has held many positions across the company and now oversees Marine Operations. David is heavily involved in Huon’s controlled growth program that included the move into off-shore sites.
David joined Huon in 2000 and has 39 years’ experience in fish farming operations. He has a degree in Marine and Freshwater Biology from London University and a MSc in Aquaculture from Stirling University.
David manages Huon’s hatcheries, taking salmon and trout from brood stock to egg through incubation, fingerling, parr to smolt production. His role also extends to determining the most appropriate lifecycle management strategies with the aim of supplying the market all year round with the right size and quality of fish from egg to harvest. He has been an integral component in increasing Huon’s production increases since 2001 through improved fish performance.
David is also a board member of Saltas representing Huon and a member of the Selective Breeding Program Steering Group.
Michelle joined Huon in May 2022 with extensive experience as a HR Leader within the Energy and Manufacturing Sectors. She is a strategic and pragmatic leader with strong commercial acumen and a proven background of developing high performing teams and delivering HR initiatives that drive organisational outcomes.
Experienced in leading organisational change and coaching leaders, she is responsible for leading Huon’s People, Culture and Safety teams to support and enable Huon’s future growth.
Phil joined Huon in 2023, relocating to Tasmania with his family from New Zealand. He has an impressive and diverse background having worked in senior roles in Operations, Processing, Trading and Sales and Marketing initially with Beef and Lamb before moving into Aquaculture, with his most recent role being with Sanford in New Zealand.
Angus joined Huon in 2019 and manages Huon’s Information Technology. He has over 30 years’ experience in the IT industry and 20+ years of senior management. Information technology plays an important role in Huon’s operations and
Angus is responsible for any equipment, interconnected system or subsystem of equipment that is used in the automatic acquisition, storage, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange or transmission of data and/or information.
(B.Eng (Chem), M.Com (Accounting), GAICD)
Belinda joined Huon in 2025 and has extensive experience working globally for major pharmaceutical and food manufacturing organisations including CSL Behring, New World Consumer Products, Simplot Australia and Kerry Ingredients in engineering, manufacturing, quality, continuous improvement and project management roles.
Belinda is a degree qualified Chemical Engineer, has a Master of Commerce (majoring in Accounting) and is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Belinda is responsible for leading operations and continuous improvement programs across the Huon processing sites, including expansion and growth programs.
