LIC calls on former Rotorua man

FILE

A former Rotorua man has been appointed as chief executive of a new subsidiary business of dairy firm LIC.

Paul Whiston has been named as the first chief executive of LIC Automation.

From June 1 the firm will oversee all automation and sensor technology systems for LIC, as well as any future developments.

Mr Whiston was previously head of sales and marketing for Paymark Ltd, the bank-owned payment network operator, where he was also acting chief executive for a time.

Before that he was based in London as general manager international for Simpl, a New Zealand information technology professional services company.

LIC chief executive Wayne McNee said Mr Whiston brought a strong leadership background to the role, and extensive experience in senior roles for information technology organisations that operate in international markets.

"Paul's leadership skills, knowledge and experience will be vital to the success of the new LIC Automation entity as we plan to grow the business, deliver more integrated technology and meet the increasing demand from farmers," he said.

The formation of LIC Automation follows LIC's acquisition of milk sensor technology provider Dairy Automation Limited (DAL) in February 2014, and a decision to merge it with the co-op's automation business, Protrack.

Mr Whiston will lead a team of 50 staff and be based in Hamilton.