Zespri CEO Dan Mathieson last week confirmed the appointment of Steven Martina as Zespri’s new President of Europe and
North America.
"Steven will lead our European and North American team’s work to create sustainable long term value for kiwifruit growers by offering local consumers the world’s leading portfolio of branded kiwifruit 12
months of the year. We’re delighted to have appointed someone with Steven’s breadth of experience and who so closely aligns with our purpose and values."
Steven is currently CEO of The Greenery, an international fruit and vegetable company based in the Netherlands which has an annual turnover of around one billion Euros. In his 19 years at The Greenery,
Steven has established a proven track record of commercial and strategic management, marketing and innovation across value chains. He has also been a member of the Zespri Sustainability Advisory Board since it was established in 2022.
"With Steven’s appointment, I’d like to express my great thanks to Linda Mills for her contribution as Acting President for Europe-North America. Steven will work closely with Linda when he commences his
role on 1 September and as she transitions to her Head of Integrated Business Planning role.
"I look forward to welcoming Steven to the Zespri team as we continue our work to maximise the value we can return to growers and our communities in this season and beyond.
Update on Zespri Board of Directors
After 6 years as an Independent Director at Zespri, Peter Springford will not be seeking re-election at this year’s Annual Meeting.
"Peter has made a tremendous contribution in his time on the Board.
We have benefitted significantly from his business leadership and corporate governance experience and together we have delivered
some outstanding results since he joined in 2017," said Chairman Bruce Cameron.
"In seeking a replacement independent director, the Board has conducted an externally facilitated search for potential candidates, and will be recommending that shareholders elect Michael Ahie as an
independent director at this year’s Annual Meeting.
"Michael is an agri-business expert with international business and governance experience in sales, marketing, global strategy and business management. He has until recently served as the Independent Chairman of the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre, and I have no doubt that he’ll make a strong contribution to Zespri and support the work we do to help realise more value for Zespri and the wider kiwifruit industry."
For more information:
www.zespri.com