AIPH announces changes to Board

During the 77th AIPH Annual Congress in Ghent, Belgium, Members of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) re-elected Mr. Leonardo Capitanio as President and elected Mr. Jack Goossens as its new Vice-President.

An Italian ornamental plant grower, Leonardo Capitanio has always been involved in horticulture. He grew up on his father's farm in Monopoli, Italy, and took over the nursery at the age of eighteen. From 2018-2022 he served as the President of ANVE, Italy's association of ornamental plant exporters. In 2022, he was elected as President of AIPH and has since facilitated the association's growth.

"I want to thank the whole AIPH team. Really, I am just a small part of AIPH and I hope I can continue to lead the association on its mission to champion the power of plants," said Leonardo Capitanio, AIPH President

Dutch floral entrepreneur Jack Goossens brings extensive experience in the global horticulture sector, where his leadership and commitment to sustainable ornamental production have made a significant impact. For close to 30 years, Goossens has served as the Co-Owner of Gova BV, a family-run nursery that specialises in Laurus nobilis, alongside his brother. His practical experience as a third-generation grower is complemented by international managerial skills due to his time spent as the Chairman of the Supervisory Board for Royal FloraHolland.

© AIPHJack Goossens and Bill Hardy

In 2021, Goossens joined AIPH's Board of Directors as the representative for Region II (South-West Europe). He also serves as the Chair of the Ornamentals Production Committee, which focuses on plant-breeders' rights, novelty protection, and sustainability in horticulture.

"I am looking forward to bringing my experience to the Board. Together, we can join our minds at AIPH to take a different perspective and make our industry stronger in the worldwide business of horticulture," said Jack Goosens.

Goossens replaces Mr. Bill Hardy, who has served as Vice-President since 2022. Commenting on Hardy's time with the board, Goossens said: "I want to thank Bill Hardy for all his work as Vice-President both on the stage and behind the scenes. He does a lot for our community. I ask you all to trust in me as I follow in Bill's footsteps." Hardy continues as Chair of AIPH's Green City Committee.

Other changes to the Board include the election of Mr. Wang Youfei as the Representative of Region VII (East Asia). Based in Beijing, Wang has worked for the China Flower Association (CFA) for the past ten years. His responsibilities involve organising International Expos, including the AIPH-approved Expo 2019 Beijing, Expo 2021 Yangzhou, and Expo 2024 Chengdu.

© AIPHLeonardo Capitanio, Robert Hideyuki Okubo, and Tim Briercliffe

Mr. Roberto Hideyuki Okubo has stepped down from the role of Representative of Region V (South America) after serving for six years. Mr. Tim Briercliffe, AIPH Secretary General, and Mr. Leonardo Capitanio presented Okubo with an award in recognition of his contribution to AIPH.