Ruralco CEO Wins Excellence in Business Leadership at ANZ Business of the Year Awards
Tony Aitken, chief executive of Ruralco, has been awarded the Excellence in Business Leadership Award at the ANZ Business of the Year Awards.
Ruralco Group chief executive Robert Sharkie is resigning after six years in the role and eight years with the co-operative.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Ruralco, the challenges it has provided and I am very proud of Ruralco’s achievements during my time at the helm,” says Sharkie.
“It is the dedication and the passion of the people who work for Ruralco that has made these achievements possible and I commend them for their efforts and wish them well,” he adds.
Sir David Carter, chairman of Ruralco, says he has accepted Sharkie’s decision with mixed emotions.
“Rob’s contribution to Ruralco has been significant, but I respect his decision that the time is right for him to pursue another chapter in his life,” Carter says. “He leaves with my complete support and best wishes for his future endeavours.”
Ruralco’s GM people and culture Tony Aitken will step into the role of acting chief executive while the board initiates its recruitment process for a new chief executive.
Aitken comes from a background in people leadership and was part of Synlait’s journey as it grew from 140 staff to over 1,000.
He will begin in the acting chief executive position at Ruralco on 1 September 2023.
National’s pledge to introduce 19 new national standards shows the party is serious about getting Wellington out of farming, Federated Farmers says.
The National Party’s policies to make it easier to grow fresh vegetables, secure reliable water and energy and simplify farm planning are practical changes that will give growers the confidence to invest, according to Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
Fonterra Co-operative Group chief financial officer Andrew Murray has resigned to take up a role outside the dairy giant.
A major move is about to get underway to improve the quality and viability of dairy beef and cattle in NZ.
Veterinarians say changes to the code of welfare for dairy cattle provides a positive foundation for improved cattle welfare across the country.
Today, 15 October, is the International Day of Rural Women, which recognises rural women’s contribution to farming, communities and the environment.