Ms Boekenstein will be replaced from June 1 by Mr Webster, who has been managing director of Horticulture Australia for the past eight years.

Foodbank in Australia is a not-for-profit, non-denominational organisation that seeks and distributes food and grocery industry donations to welfare agencies which feed the hungry.

The food is used by welfare agencies to prepare meals or provide food parcels for those in need.

Manufacturers and producers deliver their donations to Foodbank warehouses in NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia.

Foodbank sorts, stores and distributes the food to accredited welfare agencies throughout Australia.

Foodbank chairman, Enzo Allara, said Ms Boekenstein had presided over a fourfold growth in the supply of food, allowing the agency to significantly increase its food supply to welfare agencies.

"Her passion and dedication...has delivered many achievements," he said.

"We believe there are significant challenges facing Foodbank over the next few years, especially as the recession bites, and we are delighted to have a person of John’s skills and capabilities to tackle them."