New GM to help company grow

Former Fastway Couriers chief executive Austin Mortimer is now in the group general manager role for the Havelock North Fruit Company, a newly created post. Photo / Supplied

Austin Mortimer has been appointed group general manager for the Havelock North Fruit Company, the parent company of Rockit apples.

Havelock North Fruit Company managing director Phil Alison said the newly created role was an important step in the company's next growth stage.

"We've been on a hectic growth trajectory over the last two years, keeping up with global consumer interest as well has planting trees in countries such as Australia, United States, United Kingdom and Europe, to secure year round supply," he said.

The Irishman said he was excited about the role, having observed the rapid rise of the Rockit brand.

"In a very short period of time, Mr Alison has taken a miniature-sized apple and has positioned it as a healthy snack food, packaged it in a tube and taken it to the world," he said.

Havelock North Fruit Company managing director Phil Alison said the appointment of Mr Mortimer was an important step in the company's next growth stage after a "hectic growth trajectory over the last two years".

Mr Mortimer is the former chief executive of courier company Fastway Couriers and has worked in the oil and gas sector for Maersk.

His appointment follows the recent appointment of John Loughlin as chairman. He is also chairman of Powerco, Tru-Test Corporation and EastPack and former chairman of Zespri Group, Prism Group Holdings, Firstlight Foods, Allied Farmers and Hawke's Bay Winegrowers.