Monday, 30 September 2024 11:49

B+LNZ appoints new CEO

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
Beef + Lamb New Zealand's new chief executive Alan Thomson. Beef + Lamb New Zealand's new chief executive Alan Thomson.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) has appointed Alan Thomson as its new chief executive.

Thomson is moving to B+LNZ from Hitachi Australia, where he was Director of Agribusiness and was focused on agritech.

Originally from New Zealand, he has a lifelong career in, and affinity with, the agricultural sector and will relocate to Wellington for the role. He starts in the new role on November 4.

B+LNZ board chair Kate Acland says she’s delighted with the appointment.

“The board was intent on taking the time to get the right person and we’re confident that’s Alan.

“He has a strong commercial background and will be focused on delivering great outcomes for farmers. He wants to see our farmers thrive and our sector realise its potential.

“I know he’s excited about bringing B+LNZ’s refreshed strategy to life for farmers and making a real difference.”

Thomson’s recent work in the agritech space has included projects such as supporting farmers in the Great Barrier Reef catchment area to capture data to enable operational decisions to mitigate environmental impacts. 

He is on the board of DataFarming, an Australian agritech business. Prior to Hitachi, he was at Ravensdown for several years in a variety of roles in New Zealand and Australia. 

Thomson says he’s excited to join B+LNZ and make a difference for farmers. 

“I’m deeply committed to agriculture and I see huge potential for sheep and beef farming.  

“I’m proud of work I’ve done on the ground with farmers in New Zealand and Australia, working to understand what they need. That really drives me.”

Thomson focuses on using science and data to get results and says he loves working on projects that are aimed at lifting farmers’ productivity and profitability in a sustainable way. 

“On a personal level, I’m also looking forward to returning to New Zealand to be closer to family.”

B+LNZ’s chief operating officer Cros Spooner will continue to act as CEO until November 4. 

Acland says the B+LNZ Board is incredibly grateful to Spooner for undertaking the acting role. 

More like this

Changing global trade ties

OPINION: I recently returned from a market visit overseas, including the United Kingdom and Europe. These are critical, historically important and increasingly high value markets for our red meat exports.

EU regulations unfairly threaten $200m exports

A European Union regulation ensuring that the products its citizens consume do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation worldwide threatens $200m of New Zealand beef and leather exports.

Featured

LIC Space folds for good

Farmer co-operative LIC has closed its satellite-backed pasture measurement platform – Space.

Editorial: Time for common sense

OPINION: The case of four Canterbury high country stations facing costly and complex consent hearing processes highlights the dilemma facing the farming sector as the country transitions into a replacement for the Resource Management Act (RMA).

National

Machinery & Products

Calf feeding boost

Advantage Plastics says it is revolutionising calf meal storage and handling, making farm life easier, safer, and more efficient this…

JD's precision essentials

Farmers across New Zealand are renowned for their productivity and efficiency, always wanting to do more with less, while getting…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Are they serious?

OPINION: The Greens aren’t serious people when it comes to the economy, so let’s not spend too much on their…

A hurry up!

OPINION: PM Chris Luxon is getting pinged lately for rolling out the old 'we're still a new government' line when…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter