Chinese fruit distributor Golden Wing Mau has appointed Roland Gels to succeed Rod Hill as general manager of its import division, Asiafruit can confirm.
Gels, who joined Golden Wing Mau earlier this month from Shanghai-based fruit importer Origin Direct Asia, is now working closely with Hill, with a view to taking over as general manager of the import division at the end of the year.
Mau-Wah Liu, Golden Wing Mau’s founder and chairman, said it gave him great pleasure to announce Gels' appointment.
“Roland has extensive experience in the fruit industry, both in Europe, and more recently in China,” he said. “His main task will be to ensure a smooth hand-over of all aspects of Golden Wing Mau’s operations, and we look forward to seeing the continued growth of our import business.”
Prior to relocating to China with Origin Direct Asia, Gels was based in the Netherlands with Olympic Fruit.
Golden Wing Mau’s import business has grown significantly since Hill took over three and half years ago, relocating from Capespan UK’s office following the group’s acquisition of a 25 per cent share in the Chinese distributor.
Hill, who is set to return to the UK at the end of December, has played a key role in developing its international sourcing relationships, particularly across Southern Hemisphere supply origins including South Africa, Chile, Australia and Peru. Golden Wing Mau has also become an import panellist for Zespri in China, and more recently it began importing bananas.
