Zespri chairman stepping down
Peter McBride, who has chaired the board of Zespri since 2013, will step down as chairman in February 2019 and retire as a director of Zespri at the company’s next Annual Meeting in July 2019.
Deputy chairman Bruce Cameron will become chairman in February 2019.
Mr Cameron is a long-time kiwifruit grower and has been a director of Zespri since 2010. The succession provides for continued strong leadership and experience on the board.
Mr McBride has been a director of Zespri since 2002 and has served as chairman during a period of change and expansion.
This includes the industry’s return to growth following the impact of Psa.
He has overseen a premium brand-led strategy and the expansion of Zespri SunGold to meet burgeoning demand in the markets. It has also been a time of progress in strengthening grower ownership and control of Zespri, achieved through industry consultation, change to the Kiwifruit Export Regulations, change to Zespri’s Constitution and a targeted share offer and buy back that was completed this month.
Mr McBride’s tenure as chairman from 2013 has seen growth in average per hectare returns across all kiwifruit varieties of 55 per cent, and growth in the share price from 50 cents in March 2013 to over $8 a share.
Reflecting on his chairmanship, Mr McBride says it has been a privilege serving an industry that has shown strength through its co-operative spirit.
“Our kiwifruit industry has stepped through a number of challenges but we have demonstrated time and time again the cohesiveness of our industry and our ability to act in its common interest,” he says. “I have been in a fortunate position to see through significant changes and as a kiwifruit grower I am looking forward to Zespri’s continued success as it transforms to serve more and more customers around the world.”
Zespri director Jonathan Mason comments: “Peter has been an outstanding chairman for Zespri and a leader in the kiwifruit industry. Among his achievements as both chairman and director was his leadership in supporting the industry’s recovery from the serious challenge of Psa — communicating and listening to growers and developing the response.
“He then saw through the execution of our product and market strategy, in response to Psa, with the expansion of SunGold and strong sustainable performance for green contributing to record returns for the industry. He leaves behind a strong legacy.”
Mr McBride will be formally acknowledged for his outstanding contribution to Zespri and the New Zealand Kiwifruit Industry at the annual meeting next year.