MEDIA RELEASE 24 October 2012
Zespri Chairman Announces Plan To Step Down
Zespri Chairman John Loughlin has announced he will stand down as Chairman of the Board and as a director early next
year, at a time still to be confirmed.
Mr Loughlin joined the Zespri Board as one of three independent directors on the eight-member board (the other five
directors are grower-directors) in 2002. He became chairman of Zespri in August 2008.
“When I was re-elected in 2010, I signalled then that my intention was for this to be my last term serving on the Zespri
Board.
“In line with this intention, I have announced my decision to stand down from the Board to growers, shareholders and
other industry stakeholders,” Mr Loughlin said.
Mr Loughlin said the Zespri Board will now undertake a search for an independent director with the necessary commercial
and financial skills and experience needed to fill the independent director vacancy.
The new director will be appointed to the Board once Mr Loughlin steps down and confirmation of the appointment will be
sought at Zespri’s Annual Meeting in 2013.
With regards to appointing the new Chairman, the Board will work through a process to decide this over the coming
months.
Mr Loughlin said to serve on the Zespri Board for 11 years was a privilege.
“This industry is one built on a pioneering spirit, camaraderie and a relentless desire to keep innovating and keep
improving.
“While the industry is currently under significant pressure from Psa, I have no doubt that it will overcome this
challenge – as it has challenges in the past – and will continue to be a New Zealand success story,” Mr Loughlin said.
ENDS
About Zespri Group Ltd
With sales revenues of $1.6 billion, Zespri is one of the world’s most successful horticulture marketing companies and
the Zespri Brand is recognised as the world leader in premium-quality kiwifruit. Based in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand,
we are 100 percent owned by current or past kiwifruit growers, and employ approximately 270 people in New Zealand, Asia,
Europe and North America. On behalf of our 2,600 growers in New Zealand and 1,200 growers based elsewhere, Zespri
manages kiwifruit innovation and supply management, distribution management and marketing of Zespri Green, Zespri Gold
and Zespri Organic Kiwifruit.