Burke steps down after more than 30 years with the company, working his way from truck driver to chief executive
New Zealand vegetable and salad grower LeaderBrand has announced its chief executive, Richard Burke, will leave the position at the end of this year.
LeaderBrand chair, Susan Huria, paid tribute to Burke’s leadership and dedication to the people and the business of LeaderBrand.
“Richard has been an integral member of the LeaderBrand whānau for more than 30 years,” she said. “Across all aspects of the business, Richard has successfully led the valued customer relationships, team culture and company development. He has been pivotal in our change in direction from export to the domestic market, particularly driving our strategy around salads.”
Huria said Burke had been instrumental in various acquisitions, joint ventures and the development and construction of LeaderBrand’s state-of-the-art processing plant, head office, and distribution centre as well as the development of its Future Farm’s greenhouse with partners Kanoa Regional Development and Investment Unit.
Burke started at LeaderBrand as a tractor driver in 1993. His leadership, regional knowledge and farming background meant he quickly moved into management roles, and he became the chief executive over ten years ago when LeaderBrand founder Murray McPhail left the daily running of the business.
“Everyone at LeaderBrand, in particular the board and McPhail family wishes to thank Richard for his incredible years of service. He has been key to our recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle and we certainly wouldn’t be in the position we are in today without Richard’s dedication, tenacity, and business commitment,” Huria said.
In order to be prepared when the time was right, the board has been working with both Burke and Gordon McPhail on a succession transition for many years, according to a press release from the company. The business will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, and LeaderBrand said it will be an appropriate time for Richard McPhail, son of founder Murray McPhail, to become LeaderBrand’s managing director supported by Gordon McPhail as executive director.
