Michael Hibbard
About Michael Hibbard
Michael Hibbard is a Hygiene Quality Manager with extensive experience in food safety and sanitation. He has held various roles in the food industry, including positions at Simplot Australia and Chobani, and has a strong background in team leadership and compliance with hygiene standards.
Current Role at Chobani
Michael Hibbard serves as the Hygiene Quality Manager at Chobani, a position he has held since 2021. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing hygiene quality standards within the company’s operations in Australia. His expertise in managing hygiene quality in high care and food product environments is critical to ensuring compliance with industry regulations and maintaining product safety.
Previous Experience in Food Industry
Prior to his current role, Hibbard accumulated significant experience in the food industry. He worked at Simplot Australia Pty Ltd as Team Lead Sanitation from 2011 to 2019, where he managed sanitation processes. He also held positions at George Weston Foods as a GMP specialist and industrial hygienist from 2020 to 2021, and at The Smiths Snackfood Co Pty Ltd as Sales / Account Manager from 1987 to 1998. This diverse background has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of food safety and hygiene practices.
Education and Qualifications
Michael Hibbard has pursued various educational opportunities to enhance his expertise in the food industry. He studied at the Hawthorn Institute, where he achieved a qualification in Workplace Training and Assessment. Additionally, he earned a Certificate III in Food Processing from the William Angliss Institute. Hibbard also studied at Monash University, focusing on Managing Continuous Improvement, which supports his role in maintaining hygiene quality.
Leadership and Team Management Skills
Hibbard is recognized for his ability to form and lead teams with a strong emphasis on attention to detail. His leadership skills are complemented by his extensive experience in managing food and allergen environments. He is adept at handling various chemical usage applications within the food industry, which is essential for maintaining hygiene standards and ensuring safety in food production.
Audit and Compliance Experience
Throughout his career, Michael Hibbard has gained extensive experience in undergoing BRC and various external audit requirements. His familiarity with compliance standards is vital for ensuring that the organizations he works with meet industry regulations and maintain high hygiene quality. This experience further solidifies his role in the food industry, particularly in hygiene management.