Aussie Colours to grow under new CEO

Aussie Colours, the company formed to commercialise drought-resistant plants developed by UQ research has appointed Lionel Sach as their new CEO to lead the business through its next phase of growth.

Mr Sach has more than 20 years experience in the nursery industry, both in Australia and the UK, and brings a wealth of experience in the growing and distribution of unique flowering plants.

“Aussie Colours is a progressive innovative company with enormous potential,” Mr Sach said.

“I am extremely excited to be a part of the company’s expansion plans.”

Since the company’s formation in June 2007, Aussie Colours has released a number of new native flowering plant varieties to nurseries throughout Australia. The Outback Princess® (Ptilotus nobilus), has also been sold for cut flowers to the Japanese market, and in 2009 one Aussie Colours variety will be released for sale in the USA and Canada.

“We are very pleased with the progress of Aussie Colours,” said interm CEO Brian Ruddle.

“Our rapidly expanding product range will benefit from the expertise of a full-time CEO of Lionel’s calibre."

Mr Sach is a prominent figure on industry bodies including Treasurer of the International Plant Propagators Society Australian Region, President of the Horticulture Media Association Australia, Industry Advisory Committee member for Horticulture Australia Limited and Chairman of NGIQ Nursery & Garden Industry Queensland Technical & Environment Committee.

Media: Erin Pearl at UQ Gatton (07 5460 1229, 0409 265 587, e.pearl@uq.edu.au)

About Aussie Colours Pty Ltd

Aussie Colours is a plant breeding and marketing company maximising the commercial potential of Australian native flora. Established by UniQuest Pty Limited, The University of Queensland’s (UQ) main commercialisation company, Aussie Colours has a strategic research partnership with the UQ Centre for Native Floriculture. Its drought-resistant Outback Princess range (Poise, Passion, Purity) has been complemented by a yellow rice flower (Gold Dust). An investment in the company by the Brisbane Angels Group and teQstart Pty Ltd has enabled the rapid expansion of the company’s breeding and marketing program.

For further information visit www.aussiecolours.com.au