Rockit Global appoints COO
Rockit Global has appointed Ivan Angland as its new chief operating officer as it continues its growth strategy into 2025.
Snack-size apple producer Rockit Global Ltd has appointed Grant McBeath as its new chief executive officer.
McBeath starts his role this month and replaces Mark O’Donnell, who in June announced his upcoming retirement.
Rockit chair, John Loughlin says the appointment follows a search that included international candidates for the role.
“The Rockit Board is delighted with the appointment of a proven leader with a strong track record of performance in complex roles, fast moving businesses, country leadership in Asian markets and fast-moving consumer goods,” says Loughlin.
“Grant’s most recent roles were at Spark, and before that with Nokia, Cadbury, Caltex / Chevron Texaco, SC Johnson Wax and Coca-Cola Amatil. He has demonstrated experience delivering sales and services solutions at scale, being key in driving a transformation to agile while delivering strong revenue and profitability growth.”
McBeath is excited to be given an opportunity to lead the Rockit business which operates a complete value chain from orchards, mainly in New Zealand, to consumers around the world.
“There are huge challenges and some aspects of the business that will be new to me. At the same time, I can see that some of my career experiences will equip me well to contribute strongly where the prize is greatest for Rockit.”
“I will be starting in the new role early this month and am looking forward to meeting the Rockit team, growers, customers and suppliers and making a high impact contribution to this fast-moving business. It is great to be able to have a quality transition working with Mark O’Donnell over his final months. It is a privilege to take over what Mark has built, and to take this business to the next level.”
The Innovation Awards at June's National Fieldays showcased several new ideas, alongside previous entries that had reached commercial reality.
To assist the flower industry in reducing waste and drive up demand, Wonky Box has partnered with Burwood to create Wonky Flowers.
Three new directors are joining Horticulture New Zealand’s board from this month.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) says proposed changes to the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) will leave the door wide open for continued conversions of productive sheep and beef farms into carbon forestry.
Federated Farmers says a report to Parliament on the subject of a ban on carbon forestry does not go far enough to prevent continued farm to forestry conversions.
New Zealand Apples and Pears annual conference was a success with delegates and exhibitors alike making the most of three days of exhibitions, tours, insightful discussions, valuable networking and thoughtful presentations.