Change at top for Gallagher Group

AUCKLAND: Sir William Gallagher, a name synonymous with one of New Zealand's few true global companies, is to step aside from leadership of the Gallagher Group, which is to get a 24year company veteran as its new chief executive.

Kahl Betham, deputy chief executive and former global general manager for Gallagher's burgeoning security technology international business, is to take over from Sir William as chief executive of the $300 million revenue Hamiltonbased company.

The group flagged two years ago leadership changes would be coming, and in April 2019 Sir William stepped aside as executive chairman to become an executive director, but retained the job of chief executive.

To prepare for the leadership transition in the Gallagher familyowned technology exporter, thendeputy chief executive and executive director Steve Tucker was appointed executive chairman, a role he will continue to hold.

Sir William said he will become president with an ambassadorial role, remaining on the board as an executive director.

An engineer, he has led Gallagher since 1962 and is widely acknowledged as driving the family company's growth into an exporter to more than 160 countries of technology in animal management, security and fuel systems.

The company, founded in 1938 by his father Bill Gallagher, and best known for pioneering electric farm fencing, has developed into a producer of sophisticated animal management technology.

Agribusiness technology is still the company's main earner, but security is coming up fast, Sir William said.

The company was No 5 on the TIN200 rankings last year and the top privately owned technology exporter. It was ranked No 7 on the EY Companies to Watch. — The New Zealand Herald