Former Zespri chairman John Loughlin will serve as a director with leading New Zealand kiwifruit supplier EastPack.
Loughlin and communications technology expert Mark Giles will replace EastPack’s retiring independent directors Maurice Kidd and Mike Ashby. EastPack chairman Ray Sharp said the pair were welcome additions to postharvest operator’s board.
“John has a very good understanding of all aspects of the kiwifruit industry, as well as operational, management and governance experience at a high level across a range of industries,” Sharp explained, “Mark has a wide range of governance experience both in New Zealand and internationally in a range of industries. He is strong in strategic thinking, leadership and analysis.”
Loughlin is currently the chairman of Powerco, the Tru-Test Corporation and Firstlight Foods New Zealand. He is also a director with Augusta Capital, the Port of Napier and Bay Venues.
Giles has headed the sales and marketing divisions at both IBM and Vodafone and served as the managing director of Alcatel New Zealand. He is currently chairman of Techspace Consulting and an independent director with ITM Co-operative.
EastPack announced a NZ$1.5m (US$1.2m) operating profit for the 12 month period ending 31 December 2013, following a merger with Satara earlier that year.EastPack expects to pack 24.5m class 1 trays of gold and green kiwifruit this season, with that number climbing to 28m next season.
