Zespri has announced two appointments to its executive team, with Alastair Hulbert joining as the company’s chief global supply officer and Giorgio Comino as executive officer Europe and North America.
Comino will commence his role on 1 July from Zespri’s Antwerp office, while Hulbert will join the team based at Zespri’s global headquarters in Mount Maunganui (New Zealand) on 7 July.
“We’re delighted to have people of the calibre of Alastair and Giorgio joining Zespri and helping ensure we continue to provide the world’s leading portfolio of kiwifruit,” said Zespri chief executive Dan Mathieson.
“Alastair brings with him a significant amount of experience and business acumen from more than 20 years in leadership roles within the fresh produce sector and his insights into emerging supply chain trends will be invaluable as we continue to move towards our goals of reaching sales revenue of NZ$4.5bn by 2025.”
Hulbert, who has previously served as chief executive of T&G Global, will be responsible for leading Zespri’s supply chain team. He will also manage commercial relationships with the company’s supply chain partners to ensure Zespri kiwifruit sourced from both New Zealand and non-New Zealand growers reaches customers and consumers around the world.
“Zespri is not just an incredibly successful brand - it's part of an industry that is growing strongly and working hard to deliver value for growers, for supply chain partners and for the communities where we live and work,” said Hulbert.
“Its role for the New Zealand primary sector and for communities is so important and I'm looking forward to applying my own industry experience and contributing to the business's success.”
Comino’s appointment completes the line-up of executive officers overseeing Zespri’s major markets of Greater China, Asia Pacific, Europe and North America.
“Giorgio’s strong communication skills and deep experience make him a highly capable leader who can define future strategy and continue our growth in this very important Zespri territory,” said Mathieson.
Comino is looking forward to joining Zespri and contributing to the company’s ongoing collaboration with retailers and business partners.
“My focus will be on continuing to build the love for the Zespri brand across North America and Europe in collaboration with our retail and business partners so that we can make Zespri the most-loved fruit brand in our territory,” said Comino.
