New Managing Director for Heinz Wattie’s

New Managing Director for Heinz Wattie’s

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 relinquishes the role of MD 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.

Mr Comer said that “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”.

“Michael will lead Heinz Wattie’s through the next phase of its growth which includes the successfully relocation of production from Australia announced last year – tomato sauce, ketchup, ready meals and beetroot.”

Michael Gibson said that he welcome 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, Michael holds a bachelor of Commerce and a Certificate in Accounting from the University of Cape Town. Michael lives in Auckland, and is married to Debbie, a New Zealander. They have two children, one finishing secondary school and the other at university.

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About Heinz Wattie’s:

Heinz Wattie’s has its head office in Auckland and operates processing facilities in Hawke’s Bay (two plants) and Canterbury. Wattie’s 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. It was founded by Sir James Wattie in 1934, and the first products were processed during the 1934-35 season.

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