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

AR37 scientist scoops award

A scientist instrumental in the development and commercialisation of the novel endophyte AR37 scooped the Ballance Agri-Nutrients Science and Research Award at Beef + Lamb NZ Awards last night.

Lost the room?

OPINION: Beef+Lamb NZ has run a roadshow to sell its new strategy.

B+LNZ gets new CEO

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

Primary sector chuffed

Meat Industry Association chair Nathan Guy says his organisation welcomes the new trade deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), noting the UAE is the second largest market for the red meat sector in the Gulf Cooperation Council after Saudi Arabia.

Featured

Working together, leading change

A group of Canterbury farmers who work together exploring the various uses of liquid injection systems on their seed drills was the worthy winner of the Working Together Award at the recent 2024 Arable Awards, says the group’s FAR Facilitator.

AR37 scientist scoops award

A scientist instrumental in the development and commercialisation of the novel endophyte AR37 scooped the Ballance Agri-Nutrients Science and Research Award at Beef + Lamb NZ Awards last night.

Editorial: Smithfield closure just the start?

OPINION: Rural New Zealand has been taking some very big hits of late. The latest of these, the closure of Alliance’s Smithfield plant at Timaru, is yet another blow for the heartland – the engine room of the economy.

Bolger to rejoin Fonterra

Matt Bolger, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of The University of Waikato Management School, is joining Fonterra’s management team from March next year.

National

A leader among CEOs

Richard Burke, a leading CEO in the primary sector, has departed from a company he's played a huge part in…

Ideal weather for growers

Specialist horticulture and viticulture weather forecasters Metris are reporting near ideal spring start conditions for fruit growers this season.

LIC ready for challenges ahead

Herd improvement company LIC says it's well-positioned for the challenges ahead and remains focused on its core purpose - delivering…

Machinery & Products

Can-Am pushes the boundaries

Can-Am is pushing the boundaries of performance in its Outlander line-up of ATVs with the launch of the new 850…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Trump tariffs

OPINION: Former politicians seem incapable of staying away from the limelight after they retire.

Air Miles

OPINION: The latest travel receipts for MPs are in (April – June 2024).

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter