Peter Springford has joined the Zespri board as an independent director. He replaces long-serving director David Pilkington.
Zespri chairman Peter McBride said the board sought a candidate with a strong mix of business leadership and corporate governance experience, as well as exposure to the Asian business environment.
“Peter has an extensive business track record in managing companies in Australia, New Zealand and Asia, including five years in Hong Kong as President of International Paper (Asia) and four years as chief executive officer of Carter Holt Harvey,” McBride explained.
“He also has significant corporate governance experience as a previous director of the New Zealand Refining Company and now with Infratil and as the previous Chairman of Nuplex Industries. We are pleased to have appointed someone of Peter’s calibre.”
The appointment comes into effect from 1 May, with David Pilkington retiring after 12 years as a director of Zespri.
“David is one of the most highly-regarded company directors in New Zealand and has made an outstanding contribution to Zespri and to the kiwifruit industry,” McBride added. “This includes not only his role in chairing the Board Innovation Subcommittee but also his contribution to the Kiwifruit Industry Strategy Project. We thank David and wish him well for the future.”
