Former Farmers boss killed in crash
The man responsible for building one of New Zealand’s most iconic brands has died in a car crash.
Former Farmers chief executive Rod McDermott died on Wednesday in a head-on collision between a car and a truck.
Emergency services were called to the scene on Welcome Bay Rd, in Kairua, near Tauranga about 2.30pm. McDermott died at the scene. He had been living in Welcome Bay with his wife, Irma.
McDermott stood down from his position with Farmers in October 2016 after 25 years with the company.
Farmers’ staff were notified of his death yesterday.
David Norman, co-owner of James Pascoe group which owns Farmers, said McDermott was ‘‘very talented’’.
‘‘Rod was a very talented retailer, his understanding of merchandise and just as importantly, supplier relationships was exceptional,’’ he said.
‘‘His love of the Farmers department stores business was immense and his input in the look and the feel of the business over the past decade is evident when you walk in the store.’’
Chris Wilkinson, managing director of First Retail Group, said McDermott was one of the country’s most influential retailers.
‘‘That is terribly sad. He has certainly been one of NZ’s most influential retailers, transforming Farmers from a very staid, traditional brand to the contemporary chain it is today.’’