New Zealand Apples and Pears (NZAPI) has appointed Terry Meikle as its new chief executive.
Meikle has a strong background in strategic management and international trade relations, having led New Zealand agriculture and horticulture interests across the Americas.
He previously served as the agriculture counsellor at the New Zealand Embassy in Mexico City, regional manager North America for Beef and Lamb New Zealand and as first secretary agriculture and trade for the New Zealand Embassy in Washington DC.
“My networking, advocacy and leadership experience has been in both the public sector and through representing a levy funded organisation. These collaborative leadership roles have involved close partnership and engagement with a variety of public and private sector stakeholders,” said Meikle.
“As a levy funded organisation, NZAPI represents the interests and views of the apple and pear member growers. It is the views of these members that must shape the direction of travel of the industry. In that sense, it is imperative I build a deep trust with members and look forward to connecting with growers in orchards and packhouses throughout the country.”
Meikle willcommence as chief executive on 13 December, replacing Alan Pollard who has been in the role for the past nine years.
NZAPI chairman, Richard Punter, said the peak industry body undertook a thorough process to find Pollard’s replacement.
“We are really excited about what Terry can bring to NZAPI and we believe he will be an excellent advocate for the industry at this very crucial time,” Punter said.
“NZAPI will benefit from the significant networks of key senior level New Zealand government contacts Mr Meikle has both here and importantly in our offshore embassy network in key markets for New Zealand apples and pears. His credentials and connections will be invaluable to our membership and our industry as we move into the future.”
