Ex-Vodafone boss heads PGG Wrightson

Tim Miles. Photo / Martin Sykes

Tim Miles has been appointed the new chief executive of rural services provider PGG Wrightson.

Mr Miles will officially start in March, taking over from Barry Brook who's stepping down after nearly four years to become PGG Wrightson group general manager for South America, a statement to the stock exchange said.

PGG Wrightson chairman Craig Norgate said Mr Miles's level of experience and diverse skills base is seldomly held by one person.

"We are thrilled that we have been able to attract someone of Tim's calibre to the company, and excited about the contribution he will be able to make to ensuring that agriculture remains the backbone of the New Zealand economy," said Mr Norgate, ex-boss of dairy giant Fonterra.

Mr Miles - who was raised on a Horowhenua dairy farm - returned to New Zealand a year ago after spending two years at Vodafone in the UK. Other positions currently held by Mr Miles include chairman of Equity Partners Media and Communication.