New CEO for AgResearch

AgResearch has appointed a new chief executive, four months after Dr Andrew West resigned from the position.

Dr Tom Richardson, the current head of the Rotorua-based CRI, New Zealand Forest Research Institute Ltd, trading as Scion, will take up the role from September 15.

AgResearch chairman Sam Robinson said Richardson was a science innovation sector leader and would bring to his position the strategic and commercial qualities that had underpinned his success at Scion.

"Over recent years the role and position of AgResearch in the pastoral sector has been re-established, and the board anticipates that as the new CEO, Dr Richardson will strengthen further this positioning for the benefit of New Zealand, the organisation itself and its key stakeholders.

Originally from the United States, Richardson has worked in New Zealand science for 20 years.

He has spent 18 years with Scion, 13 as a practising scientist and science manager, and the past five as chief executive

He has had frequent assignments on advisory boards, external review panels and international science and trade delegations.

- Herald Online