ZESPRI appoints Tony Nowell as Chief Executive
ZESPRI Chairman Craig Greenlees today announced the appointment of Tony Nowell as Chief Executive to replace Tim Goodacre.
Mr Greenlees said Mr Nowell was an outstanding New Zealander who has considerable experience managing diverse organisations. “I’m delighted to announce the appointment of such a high calibre leader,” said Mr Greenlees.
“After an extensive search the ZESPRI Board believes Tony has the skills and experience necessary to successfully execute the challenging objectives we’ve set to drive this business to the next level. In particular, Tony’s business experience in Asia and Europe will be beneficial as we learn how to better understand and respond to the needs of our consumers.”
Mr Nowell has extensive experience of the Asian and European markets, both important growth areas for ZESPRI, having spent 12 years in general management roles in Asia, and seventeen years working for French companies L’Oreal and Danone. Mr Nowell’s career spans the tourism, fragrance and beauty, household and body care, and biscuit and snack food industries, with his most recent role being Managing Director of Griffin’s Foods, based in New Zealand.
Mr Nowell is an avid supporter of initiatives to improve New Zealand’s business
environment, devoting his time and leadership to a number of influential New Zealand organisations. He is immediate past Chair of the New Zealand Food and Grocery Council, Chair of the New Zealand Packaging Accord Governing Board and the ASEAN New Zealand Combined Business Council, Co-Chair of the Government's Food and Beverage Task Force and Deputy Chairman of Leadership New Zealand. He has also recently been appointed as a New Zealand representative to the APEC Business Advisory Council.
Mr Nowell said he was delighted to accept the role with ZESPRI. “I see the New Zealand kiwifruit industry as a great example of innovation and excellence, with a bright future, and I’m both humbled and excited by the opportunity to manage such an iconic New Zealand brand. ZESPRI has a strong sense of vision and purpose, having introduced a bold strategic plan in 2006, and I look forward to the challenge of implementing that plan and further enhancing ZESPRI’s reputation as the world leader in kiwifruit.”
Mr Nowell met with ZESPRI employees today at the Mount Maunganui head office, where he will be based from Monday 5 March. Kiwifruit growers will have the opportunity to meet Mr Nowell at the first series of industry roadshows for 2007, rescheduled to a later date than originally planned to allow his attendance. The roadshows will now commence on Monday 5 March and run through to Friday 16 March. Mr Greenlees said while the Board was excited about Mr Nowell’s appointment, it came with a sense of regret at losing departing chief executive Tim Goodacre, who will finish at ZESPRI in March. “After four-and-a-half years with ZESPRI, Tim is leaving to pursue other career aspirations,” said Mr Greenlees.
“Tim has helped this business reconnect with its growers and was instrumental in the launch of our corporate strategy, creating a shared vision and setting in place a strong foundation for future success. He is a popular chief executive who will be sorely missed by the Board, ZESPRI employees, growers and the wider industry. We wish him every success in the future.”
Contact: Melanie Palmer
Grower Communications Manager, ZESPRI International Limited
Direct Dial: (+64) 07 572 7757
Mobile: 0274 486 433
Mr Greenlees said Mr Nowell was an outstanding New Zealander who has considerable experience managing diverse organisations. “I’m delighted to announce the appointment of such a high calibre leader,” said Mr Greenlees.