David Doepel is the Director of the Sustainable Innovative Food Technologies (SIFT). With over four decades of experience across industry, academia and government in both Australia and the United States, David brings deep expertise and strategic insight to the role.

A long-time contributor to the agrifood sector, David is also an active producer, with a focus on horticulture, ag-tech and value-added food and beverage products. His previous leadership roles include WA’s inaugural Trade Commissioner to the Americas, policy adviser and speechwriter to Premier Alan Carpenter, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research at Murdoch University. He is also the first author of The Murdoch University Third Commission on Africa.

David’s combination of hands-on agricultural experience and high-level strategic leadership positions him as the ideal person to guide SIFT in supporting innovation, accelerating commercial outcomes and strengthening capability across Western Australia’s food and beverage sector.