Matt Glennhas been appointed chief executive of New Zealand’s Kiwifruit Breeding Centre.
Based in the Bay of Plenty, Glenn has an extensive background in science, technology and business management. He has held leadership roles at Hill Laboratories, Robotics Plus and Quayside Holdings– the commercial investment arm of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
Kiwifruit Breeding Centre chairman, Michael Ahie, said Glenn’s appointment followed an extensive recruitment search.
“Dr Glenn really impressed the Board not only with his experience but also his vision for how the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre can lead the world in kiwifruit breeding,” said Ahie.
“We’re really looking forward to working with Dr Glenn, and to beginning work at the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre on 1 October.”
A joint venture between Plant & Food Research and Zespri, the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre has been established to drive greater innovation within kiwifruit breeding, and to create healthier, better tasting and more sustainability-focused varieties.
“I’m thrilled to join the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre and I’m looking forward to working with exceptional talent to accelerate New Zealand’s kiwifruit breeding success,” Glenn said.
“We have a great opportunity to add to the history of innovation the industry is known for, and help contribute to the growth of the kiwifruit industry within New Zealand and to the value we create for New Zealand.
“We’ve seen how the latest red variety has encouraged new customers to try kiwifruit, and we’re looking forward to continuing to explore other new varieties in the years ahead.”
