New CEO for NZPork

Symmans joins NZPork from the Seafood Industry Training Organisation, where he repositioned the business to meet the industry's training needs, says NZPork chairman Ian Cater.

"As former chief executive officer to the NZ Seafood Industry Council Ltd, Owen boosted the public profile of the seafood industry and successfully managed a number of challenging policy issues," says Carter.

"NZPork is thrilled to bring Owen's skills and experience to the pork industry, along with his excellent working knowledge of primary production and the food, science, local government and training sectors."

Carter also paid tribute to Sam McIvor, saying "Sam has guided the pork industry through difficult times, including the adoption of world-leading animal welfare standards and the ongoing campaign to keep our animals safe from Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS)."

"Modern pig farming requires high levels of technical and practical farming skills, along with the dedication and understanding to compete in a highly aggressive local market. Owen's strategic leadership skills and his wide experience in the food-producing primary sector will place NZPork in a strong position as we seek to continue to meet industry and government objectives for our sector," Carter says.

Symmans takes up his new position on 23 April.