fbpx
Print this page
Monday, 02 September 2024 15:44

Rockit announces new CEO

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
Grant McBeath Grant McBeath

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.”

More like this

Hawke's Bay to the world

Rockit chief executive Mark O'Donnell says consumer awareness for the brand continues to improve each year.

Rockit all fired up

Snack sized apple business Rockit says it is fired up for a record 2024 season.

Geographical diversification

Rockit Global says horticulture has the potential to transform the rural Canterbury landscape over the next 20 years.

Southern launchpad for Rockit

One of the power farming families of South Canterbury is branching out into orcharding with the establishment of a large apple orchard, near Rangitata.

Featured

Gongs for best field days site

Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.

Feed help supplements Canterbury farmers meet protein goals

Two high producing Canterbury dairy farmers are moving to blended stockfeed supplements fed in-shed for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to boost protein levels, which they can’t achieve through pasture under the region’s nitrogen limit of 190kg/ha.

National

Machinery & Products

Yamaha acquires Robotics Plus

New Zealand based company Robotics Plus, a specialist in agricultural automation, has announced an agreement for it to be acquired…

Ecorobotix announces NZ dealership

Swiss-based Ecorobotix has announced its entry into the New Zealand market through a strategic partnership with Canterbury-based New Zealand Tractors.

Sorting unwashed potatoes made easy

Downs, a leader in potato reception, automated sorting, and storage, has introduced its new high-throughput optical sorter for unwashed potatoes…

Jumbo X saves time and money

A winner of a prestigious ‘Technical Innovations 2024’ award by FederUnacoma at the EIMA show in Italy, the Maschio Jumbo…

NH unveils specialty tractor

New Holland recently showcased its new-generation T4.120 F specialty tractor, giving New Zealand customers a closer look at the winner…