New Zealand’s single-desk kiwifruit marketer Zespri has appointed Jonathan Mason as its new independent director.
The US-born businessman replaces outgoing Zespri chairman John Loughlin as one of three independent directors on the company’s eight-member board.
Mason served as dairy giant Fonterra’s chief final officer (CFO) from 2009 until January this year.
Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings credited Mason with strengthening the company’s economic position amidst the global financial crisis and playing a major role in launching the successful Trading Among Farmers scheme.
Mason has 30 years experience in the financial sector, including a stint as Carter Holt Harvey’s CFO from 2000 to 2005.
“Jonathan’s financial acumen and experience, combined with his experience with developing emerging markets, will be hugely valuable for Zespri as the kiwifruit industry begins to recover from Psa,” newly-appointed Zespri chairman Peter McBride told sunlive.com.
McBride also paid tribute Loughlin, who leaves the board after 11 years service.
“John has been a tower of strength on the Zespri Board both as an independent director and as chairman,” McBride said.
“Since Psa was confirmed in New Zealand, he has shown tremendous leadership in guiding the industry through these very challenging times.”
