Springford replaces Pilkington on Zespri board

Zespri has appointed Peter Springford (pictured) as an independent director, replacing long-serving board member David Pilkington.

Zespri has appointed Peter Springford as an independent director, replacing long-serving board member David Pilkington, effective May.

Mr Pilkington - who is also chairman of Port of Tauranga, Rangatira and Heller, and a director of Tuatara Brewing, Douglas Pharmaceuticals, Northport and PrimePort Timaru - has been on the Zespri board since 2005.

"I have been privileged to be involved with a cohesive industry that has worked together to overcome serious challenges, particularly with Psa, and is now on track to deliver impressive growth and transformation," said Mr Pilkington. "The industry's outlook is very bright."

Zespri chairman Peter McBride said Mr Pilkington was one of the most highly regarded company directors in New Zealand.

"He has made an outstanding contribution to Zespri and to the kiwifruit industry. This includes not only his role in chairing the board innovation subcommittee but also his contribution to the Kiwifruit Industry Strategy Project. We thank David and wish him well for the future."

Mr McBride said in replacing Mr Pilkington, the board had sought a candidate with a strong mix of business leadership and corporate governance experience, as well as exposure to the Asian business environment.

Mr Springford had an extensive business track record in managing companies in Australia, New Zealand and Asia, including five years in Hong Kong as president of International Paper (Asia) and four years as chief executive officer of Carter Holt Harvey.

Following the acquisition of Carter Holt Harvey by Rank Group in 2006, Mr Springford co-invested with CVC Capital Partners to acquire Carter's Chinese panels business. He has since invested in and is involved in the running of New Zealand-based companies New Zealand Frost Fans and New Zealand Wood Products.

"He also has significant corporate governance experience as a previous director of the New Zealand Refining Company, previous chairman of Nuplex Industries, and now on the board of Infratil," said Mr McBride.

"We are pleased to have appointed someone of Peter's calibre."

Mr Springford said Zespri was an international brand and a significant New Zealand company, with a unique focus on creating value for New Zealand kiwifruit growers.

"I am looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to its future success."