The Victorian Farmers Federation has announced that Jane Lovell will join the organisation as its new chief executive officer.
Ms Lovell will start in the role on February 15.
VFF president Emma Germano said she was excited to announce the appointment of Ms Lovell, who comes with significant industry experience as AgriFutures national rural issues manager and Seafood Industry Australia chief executive.
"Jane joining the VFF is super exciting for the organisation," Ms Germano said.
"Jane will bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the role and I look forward to working with Jane in continuing to move the VFF forward.
"As the VFF looks to grow our membership and refocus our efforts to return value to our membership and influence government decision making, this external appointment will help to ensure the VFF is a contemporary organisation that represents today's Victorian farming sector."
Ms Lovell said she felt extremely privileged to be taking the leadership role with the VFF.
"We have some real challenges ahead to promote and secure the critical role farming has in our communities and for our state," she said.
"I look forward to getting out and connecting with our members to better understand their priorities and concerns, and to working with the VFF team to provide a strong, united voice for Victorian farmers."
The appointment follows a robust recruitment process conducted by Pacific Search Partners that considered more than 100 applicants.
The process, which began in mid-2020, was briefly delayed due to COVID-19 and the 2020 VFF elections.
Ms Lovell replaces former chief executive Stephen Sheridan.
