Leading New Zealand kiwifruit grower-packer EastPack has announced its chairman, Ray Sharp, will step down from the company’s board of directors in July, the Bay of Plenty Times has reported.
After eight years in the top role, Sharp said he was looking forward to a lighter work schedule and the opportunity to spend more time with his wife Lis. “The years seem to be flying by and my decision allows Lis and I to pursue our bucket-list,” Sharp told the Bay of Plenty Times.
Sharp’s resignation comes less than 12 months after EastPack’s long-term chief executive Tony Hawken announced his retirement. Hawken has continued to coordinate special projects for the company since officially vacating his role earlier this year.
Sharp was adamant he was leaving the company in a strong a position. “We are progressing with technology improvements and continue to identify key operational improvement opportunities to manage a sustained period of growth,” he explained. “I am confident that we have some great talent around the Board table and that it will be good for the Company to have new leadership.
Hamish Simson, EastPack’s new chief executive, paid tribute to Sharp’s service to the company. “Ray led the EastPack Board through a challenging period and will leave the company in a strong position,' Simson said. 'The Psa incursion, a major company merger, and rapid recovery and volume growth provided significant challenges and the company has emerged as strong as ever.'
