Kiwifruit exporter Zespri has begun a succession process that will see long-serving chief executive Lain Jager step down at the beginning of 2018, the company announced today.
Chairman Peter McBride said the board was balancing continuity and renewal in the leadership of the organisation.
"The Zespri board has set out a process for succession at an optimal time," he said. "Zespri now has an experienced and stable management team in place and the board will consider both potential internal and external candidates for the position."
The time frame would help to ensure continuity through the transition, which was important given Zespri's critical role in the value chain for kiwifruit growers and customers globally, he said.
The board will begin the process next year. Mr Jager, who was appointed chief executive in 2008, will remain in the role until his successor starts. He first joined Zespri in 1999 as human resources manager.