Wednesday, 05 March 2025 15:46

Miraka CEO steps down

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
Karl Gradon Karl Gradon

The chief executive of Taupo-based dairy company, Miraka – Karl Gradon - has stepped down from the role for personal and family reasons.

The Miraka board says it has begun a search for his replacement who will lead the company into its next phase of growth. Miraka chief operating officer, Richard Harding has been appointed as acting chief executive.

Gradon says that leading Miraka for the past three years has been a rewarding experience both professionally and personally.

“I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together as a whanau and business. I am confident in the company's continued success,” he says.

“Our shareholders bestowed a set of values that I personally admire, and I look forward to seeing this values-based approach continue to flourish through the generations as our founders intended."

Miraka remains committed to its mission of producing high-quality dairy products for global export, while upholding the values and traditions of its Maori heritage.

Miraka chair Bruce Scott acknowledged Gradon’s contribution to Miraka’s recent growth and success during the past three years to his leadership and efforts resetting the business for future success.

“Karl Gradon has successfully navigated Miraka through a significant period of change, leading the reorganisation of the business to set Miraka up for long-term, intergenerational success, as was envisioned by our founding leaders and shareholders,” says Scott.

“There are many successes and wins we attribute to Karl’s leadership. This includes building a strong senior leadership team, evolving from single products to optimising customer focus and our portfolio of value-added products.”

Scott says in a short period of time, Gradon has diversified the business model, customer offerings and base.

In the milk supply arena, he has protected and grown Miraka milk supply as well as significantly improving the company’s supplier engagement.

“He was always guided by our core Miraka values, and Tikanga Miraka – the way we conduct ourselves as people, and as a business.

“The Miraka whanau is deeply grateful to Karl for his personal commitment and leadership, navigating Miraka through strong headwinds in globally and fiscally challenging times. Karl did so with mana, vision and dedication.

“Living away from his whanau for the past three years has been a significant challenge and with the successful repositioning of the business for the future, Karl is able to prioritise himself and his family, having created an enduring legacy. We wish Karl all the very best for the future,” Scott says.

More like this

Farmer-led group buys Novag

While the name and technology remain unchanged and new machines will continue to carry the Novag name, all the assets, intellectual property and staff of the French manufacturer have been acquired by a new organisation called Agriculture Nouvelle Génération.

Afimilk appoints new general manager

Afimilk, a global dairy farm management solutions provider, has appointed Justin Miller as the new general manager for New Zealand and Australia.

Featured

Farmers urged not to be complacent about TB

New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.

Editorial: Making wool great again

OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.

National

Lame stories from a country vet

Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s…

Machinery & Products

Amazone extends hoe range

With many European manufacturers releasing mechanical weeding systems to counter the backlash around the use and possible banning of agrochemicals,…

Gong for NH dealers

New Holland dealers from around Australia and New Zealand came together last month for the Dealer of the Year Awards,…

A true Kiwi ingenuity

The King Cobra raingun continues to have a huge following in the New Zealand market and is also exported to…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Greenpeace a charity?

OPINION: Should Greenpeace be stripped of their charitable status? Farmers say yes.

Synlait's back

OPINION: After years of financial turmoil, Canterbury milk processor Synlait is now back in business.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter