EastPack CEO to step down

EastPack CEO Tony Hawken

Long-standing EastPack CEO Tony Hawken will step down at the end of this year, he has announced.

Mr Hawken decided the time was right to pursue other interests after 31 years at the helm of the kiwifruit packhouse company.

EastPack would retain Mr Hawken's services on reduced time for special projects for up to two years.

"The company and the kiwifruit industry has come through a very difficult time as we've dealt with the impacts of PSA but now is the right time to hand over the reins," Mr Hawken said.

"Stability is vital for the company so a smooth transition to a new CEO will be the focus over the next few months."

Company chairman Ray Sharp said EastPack was deeply indebted to Mr Hawken for the role that he has played in the company since its inception.

"During his time, the company has become New Zealand's largest kiwifruit packing and coolstorage provider processing 27% of the country's kiwifruit. This exceptional growth has posed huge challenges to the CEO but he has always risen to these challenges and has become a highly regarded industry leader," Mr Sharp said.

Mr Sharp said Mr Hawken would be retained for special projects to assist with EastPack's upcoming large capital development programme and any other programmes required by the new CEO or Board.

He said the outgoing CEO would help with the programme required to pack and coolstore the expected rapid growth in kiwifruit numbers following growers' recovery from PSA.

EastPack has commenced a search for a replacement CEO.