New board appointment for Alliance

Stoddart has held senior management positions with high-profile companies including Air New Zealand and Carter Holt Harvey, and has joined the meat processor and exporter as an independent director.

This follows the retirement of former director Owen Poole last year. Stoddart will help oversee the cooperative's strategic direction as it strengthens its position in key markets following a return to profitability last year.

Stoddart has significant expertise in a wide range of industries. Up until last year, she was group general manager people & technical operations at Air New Zealand, where she played a key role in transforming the airline into a profitable award-winning company.

Her 25 years' experience in the legal, manufacturing, packaging, aviation and engineering sectors include positions as chief executive of Carter Holt Harvey's Australian packaging business and as a senior solicitor at Russell McVeagh.

Stoddart, who holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Laws with honours, as well as a Post Graduate Diploma in Professional Ethics, is also currently an independent director of a number of companies including The Warehouse Group Ltd, Paymark Ltd and The New Zealand Refining Company.

Stoddart, who is Dunedin born and bred, says is keen to work with brands, companies and industries at the heart of New Zealand's economy. "I have been fortunate to work with great leaders throughout my career and I am looking forward to using what I have learnt to benefit the board and Alliance Group strategically and operationally."

Murray Taggart, chair of Alliance Group welcomed the appointment.

"Vanessa has outstanding credentials with a diverse commercial background and strength in the development and implementation of corporate strategies. By bringing another perspective to Alliance Group, and providing key insights into how the cooperative can grow and prosper, I'm confident Vanessa can help increase the long-term value of the company."

Stoddart is also a strong supporter of the cooperative philosophy and is focused on providing ongoing value for supplier shareholders, saysTaggart.
The appointment is effective immediately.