Rockit Global Limited is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark O’Donnell as its new Chief Executive Officer. In this role Mark will be responsible for ensuring the various businesses that comprise the Rockit Group of companies are optimised and inspirationally led to achieve Rockit’s ambitious growth plans.
Rockit Global Chair, John Loughlin said “Mark is an experienced CEO with a strong background and a track record of achievement. He brings excellent leadership and commercial skills which will be critical as Rockit continues to grow at 30% to 40% per annum on a compound basis”.
“Rockit is a business that has set itself up to succeed, with protected intellectual property, a global consumer brand, an established global network, a supply chain infrastructure and supply partnerships (including orchard management services) that are delivering a premium packaged fruit to enthusiastic consumers around the world. Leadership is the ‘x’ factor that makes it all count.”
Mark joins Rockit from House of Travel where he has been Chief Executive. Prior to that he has had executive roles at Fonterra Brands, Telecom (now Spark) and Lion Nathan.
In 2020 Rockit Global is having a record year with volumes and turnover up around 25%. Rockit is sold in 28 countries, with Kuwait and India opened as new markets this year. Rockit’s proprietary miniature apples are grown in New Zealand and 8 overseas countries. Over 150 hectares of new orchards have been developed this year taking total planted area to 480 hectares in New Zealand. In order to cater for the rapidly increasing fruit volumes, in early 2021 Rockit will move into a new purpose built, state of the art coolstore and packhouse facility in Irongate, Hastings.
Mark O’Donnell said “it’s really exciting to be joining a dynamic company with such an amazing product opportunity. I’m looking forward to leading a strong team and running a globally branded business that delivers value back to New Zealand. Miniature apples will be a new challenge for me, but I will be working with a strong board and a team that has demonstrated an ability to win”.
Mark O’Donnell starts with Rockit in early January 2021 and will be based in Hawke’s Bay.
For more information:
John Loughlin
Rockit Global Limited
Tel: +64 275 422 405