McIvor moving to OSPRI

McIvor leaves B+LNZ at the end of July and takes up his new role the following month.

Well-known for his passion and commitment to the primary sector, McIvor grew up on a hill country sheep and beef property in the Manawatū and after leaving school completed an agricultural science at Massey University.

This was the beginning of his career in the primary sector which included on-farm work and various managerial roles in the processing and retail areas. He had a stint as a sheep and beef farm consultant in Hawke’s Bay before managing procurement of Heinz Watties. He then had various roles at B+LNZ, including research and development manager and product and information transfer manager.

Later he became chief executive of NZ Pork before taking up the role of chief executive of Preston Corp which included overseeing the Export Meat Warehouse chain of stores.

The next move was as group general manager farm operations at Ospri, then in 2016 he became chief executive at B+LNZ, replacing Dr Scott Champion.

McIvor is highly regarded for his wide knowledge right across the primary sector. At B+LNZ he’s led the organisation through some challenging times, including Covid- 19, the controversial He Eke Waka Noa consultation process and Mycoplasma bovis.

Ospri chair Dr Paul Reynolds says they are thrilled to welcome McIvor.

“His extensive experience, coupled with his profound understanding of the agricultural sector, uniquely positions him to drive Ospri forward and deliver value to our shareholders, stakeholders, and the farming community,” he says.

Meanwhile, B+LNZ chair Kate Acland thanked McIvor and acknowledged the significant contribution he has made to the organisation and the sector in the 17 years he has worked for B+LNZ and the NZ Meat Board, particularly the last eight as CEO.

“We are delighted that Sam has chosen to continue with a role in the agriculture sector and are confident he will continue to make a positive impact on the sector through this position,” says Acland.