Heinz Wattie's appoints COO Gibson managing director

Michael Gibson Michael Gibson has been appointed managing director of Heinz Wattie's, effective immediately. He was formerly chief operating officer.

The appointment was announced today by Nigel Comer, Regional CEO for HJ Heinz in Japan, Australia and New Zealand, who relinquished the role of managing director at Heinz Wattie's.

A qualified chartered accountant, Mr Gibson, 50, has been with the Wattie's businesses for over 22 years, initially joining Wattie's Frozen Foods. He moved through the organisation holding a series of increasingly senior finance appointments. He was appointed COO in April 2010 from his position as finance director.

"Michael has long been a senior member of Wattie's leadership team, and I have had the pleasure of working with him during periods of both remarkable growth and economic challenge," Mr Comer said.

"Michael will lead Heinz Wattie's through the next phase of its growth which includes the successful relocation of production from Australia, announced last year - tomato sauce, ketchup, ready meals and beetroot."

Michael Gibson said he welcomed the opportunity to lead the talented and dedicated team at Heinz Wattie's, a team which has been at the very core of the business' success.

Born in South Africa, Mr Gibson holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Certificate in Accounting from the University of Cape Town. He lives in Auckland and is married to Debbie, a New Zealander. They have two children, one finishing secondary school and the other at university.

Founded by Sir James Wattie in 1934, the company's first products were processed during the 1934-35 season.

Heinz Wattie's has its head office in Auckland and operates processing facilities in Hawke's Bay (two plants) and Canterbury.

It is the largest food brand in New Zealand supermarkets.

In total, the company has a workforce of 1800 employees including seasonal workers, and is a major contributor to the New Zealand economy.