EastPack chairman to step down

EastPack Chairman Ray Sharp is to step down from the Board of Directors from the end of July, the company announced today.

Mr Sharp, now 66 years old, has led the EastPack Board for eight years and is a strong supporter of the grower-owned structure of EastPack and the kiwifruit industry.

Mr Sharp said he decided to stand down to free up commitments and provide more time to spend with wife Lis.

"The years seem to be flying by and my decision allows Lis and I to pursue our bucket-list".

Mr Sharp was regular visitor to international kiwifruit market places and appreciated the importance of fruit quality in market.

"I believe that grower, post-harvest and Zespri performance need to be aligned to achieve the best outcome for growers".

Mr Sharp recently took an active role in the Kiwifruit Industry Strategy Project (KISP), reviewing the current industry structure.

"If the changes advocated are put in place, our industry will be in a much stronger position going forward," he said.

Mr Sharp attributes a successful harvest season to advanced packing technology and asset utilisation strategies.

"We are progressing with technology improvements and continue to identify key operational improvement opportunities to manage a sustained period of growth."

EastPack's recently appointed Chief Executive Officer, Hamish Simson, said Mr Sharp has been instrumental in the company's success.

"Ray led the EastPack Board through a challenging period and will leave the company in a strong position," said Mr Simson.

"The Psa-V incursion, a major company merger, and rapid recovery and volume growth provided significant challenges and the company has emerged as strong as ever."

This year EastPack processed over 33 million trays of Kiwifruit, up nearly 35% on last season.

The Board has commenced a process to select a new Chair and a decision is expected at the Board Meeting in July. "I am confident that we have some great talent around the Board table and that it will be good for the Company to have new leadership," said Mr Sharp.