NEW ZEALAND – Sanford, a fishing and processing firm, has announced that its CEO of New Zealand, Volker Kuntzsch, has resigned after seven years leading the company.
Chairman Rob McLeod said Volker had made a transformational impact on Sanford. “Volker has helped transform Sanford into a progressive, values-based company with an outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability and to Sanford’s people.
“On behalf of the Sanford team, we are grateful to Volker for his leadership and thank him for a seven-year contribution as our chief executive.”
Over those last seven years, the company has made good progress on maximizing the value of its fish products and diversifying its business, as well as turning its aquaculture business into a profitable and innovative unit, he said.
“On behalf of the Sanford team, we are grateful to Volker for his leadership and thank him for a seven-year contribution as our chief executive.”
Rob McLeod – Chairman
“As we now move towards a greater focus on consumer-driven innovation and marketing, Volker and the Sanford board have agreed that now would be a sensible time for a new leader to drive the next phase of the strategy.”
While he is sad to move on from the company, Kuntzsch said the period of COVID-19 lockdown in New Zealand gave him an opportunity for reflection and decision making with his family around him.
“I’m incredibly proud of the transition we have made as a company from a commodity business to one that focuses on value and values. The team are truly outstanding and I will miss them but I am ready for and looking forward to the next chapter in my life which starts with stepping back and focusing on my lovely family.”
“I have spent many years in leadership roles around the world. Sanford is one I will look back on with great satisfaction and with confidence that its people will continue on the path and strategy we have set and will achieve great things.”
McLeod particularly acknowledged Volker’s role in building a strong Sanford culture, which the board was committed to preserving.
The Sanford board will shortly commence an international search for a replacement chief executive. In the interim, Sanford’s Andre Gargiulo will be the acting chief executive, and will provide a continued point of contact with Sanford’s customers, markets and investors and ensure the safe ongoing operation of Sanford’s business.
Liked this article? Subscribe to Food Business Africa News, our regular email newsletters with the latest news insights from Africa and the World’s food and agro industry. SUBSCRIBE HERE
