Enrico Perotti appointed as new Secretary of the International Plant Protection Convention

Rome, 15 October 2025. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has appointed Dr. Enrico Perotti as secretary of the International Plant Protection Convention effective from 7 October 2025. Enrico brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the IPPC Secretariat, with over 30 years of experience in scientific research and biosecurity that spans various institutions including government, academia and the private sector.

A passionate advocate for food security and sustainable agricultural productivity, Enrico has held senior roles including leadership of the biosecurity risk assessment team at New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries, as well as key positions within the Australian Public Service focused on biosecurity policy and emergency response. He also advanced Australia’s trade and market access as Australia’s first Agriculture Counsellor to Malaysia and Brunei.

Since January 2023, Enrico has served as General Manager of the Invasive Species Program at Biosecurity Queensland, leading efforts to prevent, manage, and mitigate the impacts of invasive plants and animals across the state.

Coming from a multicultural background, he champions collaborative approaches that harness diverse strengths and perspectives to tackle biosecurity challenges.

Enrico supports scientific innovation and the development of novel tools to enhance biosecurity and agricultural outcomes. His broad expertise includes managing operational and research programs, driving industry-wide initiatives and building strategic partnerships across primary industries. He has worked with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) in Mexico and Australia, and previously lectured in plant biology, biochemistry, genetics and epigenetics at the Universities of Lausanne and Zurich in Switzerland.

Dr. Perotti's enduring passion and professional focus remain centered on improving food security and combating hunger worldwide through science-based biosecurity and international collaboration.

“I am honored to lead the IPPC Secretariat and serve the global plant health community”, Enrico said. “Through innovation and strengthened international collaboration, we will realize our common vision to protect plants as vital food sources and help end global hunger”, he added.