May 2024
Baxter Executive Search is delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Jones as the new General Manager (GM) of Ingredient Sales at Bega Group. This strategic decision follows an extensive executive search.
Michael brings a wealth of experience in senior sales and leadership roles within the dairy industry. His impressive career trajectory includes positions with Fonterra across diverse regions such as South Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Notably, for an impressive 14 years he served as the CEO of Clover Fonterra Ingredients, a joint venture based in South Africa.
Since relocating to New Zealand in 2022, Michael has continued to excel as Regional Head at Fonterra Farm Source, based in Invercargill. His previous roles spanned various responsibilities, including Sales and Marketing Management, Key Account Management, and Regional Leadership. Michael’s early career was marked by category-focused roles in Southeast Asia.
Australian owned Bega Group is a diversified branded food and beverage business with a focus on great food, great people, great aspirations and working for the greater good. With leading iconic brands and strategically located milk processing and manufacturing capacities, the organisation has 3,900+ employees and generates revenues of $3.38b (FY23) through products sold in over 40 countries and across two business segments, branded consumer and foodservice products, and bulk nutritional powders and dairy ingredients.
Michael commences with Bega Group on the 1st of July and will be based in Melbourne.
We eagerly anticipate Michael’s contributions to Bega Group’s growth and success in the dynamic ingredient sales landscape. His extensive industry knowledge and leadership acumen position him well for this pivotal role. Congratulations, Michael!
April 2024
We are thrilled to share that MilkTestNZ have announced Lauren Wells as the new Chief Executive Officer. Lauren has a wealth of senior leadership experience across dairy manufacturing, FMCG, laboratory testing and technology sectors. Currently GM Customers with Dairy Goat Cooperative, she previously held GM roles with Raglan Food Co and Food Lab Pacific. Her experience includes consumer led businesses and highly regulated and technical B2B businesses including Tatua where she led the Nutritionals business unit. Lauren is qualified with a Bachelor of Science from Purdue University in the US.
MilkTestNZ is a world leading milk testing laboratory. Owned by Fonterra and Tatua, MilkTestNZ processes over 30,000 samples per day using automated processes and advanced technology. MilkTestNZ has a reputation for providing high quality results with a rapid turn-around time.
Lauren commences with MilkTestNZ in early July. We wish her every success.
April 2024
Indevin Group have announced the appointment of Dean Caughey to the role of GM of Thornhill following an executive search by Baxter Executive Search. Deane has more than 17 years’ experience in operational leadership roles in the viticulture sector. For the past three years he has been GM Vineyards with Indevin Group. Deane has been a pivotal member of the Indevin team since its early days through to its market leading position it holds today. His prior experience is in senior leadership roles in the broader primary industry including in aquaculture, forestry and timber. He is qualified with a Diploma in Business Management and a Diploma in Competitive Management.
Established in 2007, Thornhill (Thornhill Horticultural Contracting) is one of the longest standing and trusted names in horticultural and viticultural supply in New Zealand. Founded by Richard Bibby, Thornhill is an award winning, well established, progressive and fast-growing industry leader in sustainable and ethical labour supply. In 2022, Indevin, New Zealand’s leading winegrower, invested in a 75% shareholding in Thornhill providing opportunities to leverage Indevin’s expertise and resources.
April 2024
Entrada Travel Group have announced the appointment of Anna Hay as the new Chief People Officer (CPO) following an extensive and thorough executive search by Baxter Executive Search. Anna brings extensive HR leadership skills and experience gained from a diverse and interesting career background. Anna has significant experience working within the Australian market, which now represents a significant part of Entrada’s business. Anna will join the Entrada Executive Team, reporting directly to CEO, John Thorburn.
Anna has 14 years’ experience in strategic and operational HR leadership roles across privately held medium sized and large corporates in New Zealand and Australia. Most recently Executive Manager, People and Culture with Warrah Society in New South Wales, she has worked in the manufacturing, technology and not for profit sectors. Anna was previously an Owner and Director of an international master franchise food brand in Auckland. Her early career was in HR Manager roles with Carter Holt Harvey where she commenced as a graduate. She has extensive exposure to complex and high-risk environments including her most recent role in the disability sector. Her earlier career was with Carter Holt Harvey where she was an employment relations consultant assisting with outsourcing the engineering function of Kinleith’s Pulp & Paper Mill. Anna is well qualified with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in psychology and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management.
Anna commences full-time with Entrada Travel Group on the 2nd of April 2024.
March 2024
We are delighted to share that Naylor Love Enterprises Chair Jackie Lloyd has announced the appointment of Bruno Goedeke as Chief Executive Officer, following an extensive executive search by Baxter Executive Search.
Ms Lloyd said Bruno’s extensive experience in the construction sector, including most recently as Naylor Love’s Regional Director for Auckland and Waikato/Bay of Plenty, position him well to lead the next phase of Naylor Love’s 114-year history.
“The Board is delighted to appoint Bruno from a strong pool of local and international candidates. He brings a deep understanding of vertical construction and the New Zealand market, and is well known for his people-centric leadership style and commitment to Naylor Love’s culture.”
“I have certainly got some big boots to fill,” acknowledges Mr Goedeke, “but this is a fantastic opportunity to build on strong foundations and steer Naylor Love into the future.”
Bruno commences in the role in late March 2024.
January 2024
We are thrilled to share that Comvita have appointed Tania Ng-van Paddenburg to the role of Chief Purpose and Transformation Officer, following an extensive search by Baxter Executive Search.
Tania is a commercially driven and transformational leader with deep experience in large corporate environments in the retail, telco and banking sectors. Currently Director People Experience with ACC, Tania previously held senior People and Culture leadership roles with The Warehouse Group and Spark. She has a global mindset and has lived and worked in the Netherlands as Head of HR Business Partnering with ING Investment Management. A business first leader, Tania has business transformation experience from senior leadership roles in large corporates undergoing agile transformations. Tania enjoys environments requiring agility, speed to market and putting customer at the centre. She is qualified with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Human Resources Management & Employment Relations and Sociology from the University of Auckland.
As Chief Purpose and Transformation Officer, Tania will provide leadership to Comvita’s transformation, people operations, health & safety, sustainability and ESG, payroll and talent acquisition functions.
Tania commences with Comvita on the 7th of February 2024.
January 2024
Baxter Executive Search congratulates Monica Yianikis on her appointment to the Chief Digital and Marketing Officer role with Comvita.
Monica has twenty years’ experience in brand, marketing and general management roles in the FMCG, retail and consumer goods sectors. For the past two years she has been CEO of the children’s footwear export business, Bobux, which sells to over 40 countries globally. Monica previously held senior leadership roles with Lion including Retail Director where she ran the standalone business unit of 200 employees and 25 stores nationwide. Prior to this, she headed up Lion Ventures where her achievements include launching a wellness cafe, and a Co-Working platform.
A self-described brand and consumer led businessperson, her earlier career was in senior brand and marketing leadership roles with global blue chip FMCG multinationals such as Danone, Frucor (where she was responsible for the 'Goodness' portfolio), Griffins and Nestle where she headed up Nestle’s global innovation desk for the cereal business based in Switzerland. Monica is qualified with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Marketing and a Bachelor of Science majoring in Psychology, from the University of Auckland.
Monica is excited about Comvita’s ethos around nature and science. Doing better for health and the planet has captured her interest, as well as her passion for New Zealand businesses going global. She looks forward to joining Comvita’s team and contributing to the strategic direction and transformation journey.
Monica commences with Comvita on the 7th of February 2024.
December 2023
Norwood have announced the appointment of Aaron Smith as the new Chief Executive Officer of C B Norwood Distributors Limited following an extensive executive search by Baxter Executive Search.
Aaron has a career spanning 34 years, starting as an apprentice diesel mechanic, and progressing through to executive management roles in the capital equipment sector. He served most recently as Chief Executive Officer of Keith Andrews Trucks and previously as General Manager at Gough TWL and Group Transpecs. Aaron brings extensive experience in supplier relationships, retail sales, and aftersales service. he is qualified with a Bachelor of Applied Management, with Distinction.
Aaron officially commences in the role on the 15th of January 2024.
October 2023
Darling Group have announced the appointment of Rose-Anna Feist to the CFO role following an extensive executive search by Baxter Executive Search.
Rose-Anna has more than 25 years’ experience across senior finance, accounting and general operations leadership roles in a range of sectors and business models including the horticulture, services, agritech and FMCG sectors in New Zealand and the US. She has an extensive track record of improving reporting, and in systems transformations in the export sector. For the past two years Rose-Anna has been GM Operations with agritech start up, Fruitometry. She was previously CFO at Heilala Vanilla and prior to this Group Management Accounting Manager with NZ listed Comvita. Here she was responsible for all internal reporting to Board level, budgeting and forecasting across multiple entities, overseeing accounting functions for various international markets. She was also the finance lead on an ERP systems upgrade. Rose-Anna has also held roles with Seeka and Zespri. Her earlier career was in Finance Manager roles with SHL based in New Zealand and the US. Rose-Anna is qualified with a Bachelor of Business from Massey University and an MBA from Otago University.
Darling Group is an integrated exporter of fresh produce specialising in avocados, citrus and berries. Founded by Andrew Darling, this complex business has taken Australasia’s best produce to the world for some 20 years. The Darling Group is 100% New Zealand owned by the Darling Family and Booster, an independent financial services firm. The business operates throughout the country with two key hubs in Katikati and Gisborne. It procures domestically and internationally and has a major operating and distribution hub in Brisbane, and a newly established presence in West Coast USA.
Rose-Anna commences with Darling Group later this year.
September 2023
Stuart Weston appointed Chair designate to Riverlock Group Holdings Board
We are pleased to share that Riverlock Group Holdings have announced the appointment of Stuart Weston as Chair designate of Riverlock Group Holdings Limited, following a Board appointment process by Baxter Executive Search. Stuart will join the board from 1 October 2023, pending the retirement of current Chair, Peter Crow, at the AGM in mid-December.
Stuart is an experienced Director and Board Chair (DMS Progrowers, Patchell Industries, Rockit No.2). Previously, he has served as CEO of Apata, and has held roles at Bromley Park (poultry business) and AFFCO. He brings deep experience and understanding of multi-faceted family businesses.
September 2023
Rupert Mitchell appointed to AsureQuality as Group Services Manager, Meat Services
AsureQuality have announced the appointment of Rupert Mitchell to the executive team as Group Services Manager, Meat Services following an extensive executive search by Baxter Executive Search.
Rupert has 20+ years’ experience in senior operations and production leadership roles and is internationally experienced across the primary industry in New Zealand and the UK. He has held senior roles with Alliance, Van Den Brink Poultry Group, private equity-owned Cherry Valley Farms (UK duck genetics, farming and processing business) and VION Food Group (UK meat producer previously called Grampian Country Food Group). He was involved in significant technology implementation projects and M&A with these organisations. Rupert was most recently Operations and Site Services Manager for Blue River Dairy and previously the Alliance Plant Manager for Lorneville, a role he held for three years. With significant operational leadership experience, Rupert has held a variety of roles including GM UK Operations, National Supply Chain Manager, Operations Manager and General Manager. He has a strong track record in leading people, engaging strong Health and Safety performance, customer focus, commercial acumen and delivering change.
Rupert commences with AsureQuality on the 2nd of October 2023.
August 2023
Jason McDonald appointed to the Board of CentrePort Ltd
CentrePort have announced the appointment of Jason McDonald to the Board of CentrePort Ltd following a Board search process conducted by Baxter Executive Search.
Chairman Lachie Johnstone says Jason will be a welcome addition to the board given his significant knowledge of the energy and infrastructure sectors.
“Jason joins us with more than 30 years’ experience in the electricity industry. This will provide crucial insights to the Board that can support CentrePort’s energy journey.
“He also brings technology and infrastructure investment knowledge, which will support CentrePort’s overall development and strategic direction.
Jason is a Wellington-based director, strategist and governance consultant with clear expertise in the energy sector. He is currently an independent director of Wellington-based electricity distributor Orion, electrical design, construction and maintenance provider Connetics, and of First Gas. He was formerly director and chair of car share company Mevo, an independent director of electricity distributor Top Energy and transport provider Red Bus.
Jason joins the Board from 1 September.
August 2023
Andrew Moorby appointed as CFO with Aeroqual
Aeroqual has announced the appointment of Andrew Moorby as CFO following an extensive executive search by Baxter Executive Search. Andrew brings a wealth of experience having worked for and as an advisor to many international technology companies. Most recently he has been Group CFO of McKay Group, New Zealand’s largest independent industrial electrical contractor, with offshore operations employing 400 staff. Andrew had financial overview of 12 business units and a US trading subsidiary. Prior to McKay, Andrew had a lengthy period in various roles at EY, one of the top international accounting and advisory consultancies. His work with EY included advisory work for international technology and software companies, advising on strategy, capital raising and international business structuring. Andrew is a strong fit with Aeroqual’s culture of both professionalism and concern for people. Originally from the UK Andrew moved to New Zealand in 2001. Andrew and his two sons are avid soccer players.
New Zealand founded Aeroqual is the leading air quality monitoring platform built on integrated instrumentation and software. It has active users in more than 100 countries and has supported 1,000s of successful projects on all seven continents including environmental, health and safety consultants, government regulators, global industrial clients and universities who use Aeroqual’s integrated monitoring systems to obtain quality air pollution data. Aeroqual’s products have global brand reputation for accuracy and performance including real time measurements and data, and its ozone sensors have been recognized globally as market leading.
Andrew commences with Aeroqual in late September.
July 2023
Appointment of Michelle Banfield to Chief People Officer role with Indevin
Indevin have announced the appointment of Michelle Banfield to the position of Chief People Officer, following an extensive executive search process by Baxter Executive Search. Michelle brings more than 10 years’ experience in complex senior leadership roles to the CPO position including her most recent role as General Manager of Culture at Fonterra, covering a global portfolio. Prior to this, Michelle has held the positions of GM Employee Engagement and GM Employment Relations leading the in-house employment law team.
Michelle is qualified with a BA in Sociology, Education, Anthropology and Psychology and an LLB (Hons) in Employment Law from Victoria University. She is passionate about people and performance and has been recognised in the 2020 Global HR Top 100 and 2021 HRD Hotlists. As the joint founder of an adventure tourism business with her husband, Michelle also sees a strong values alignment with the Indevin Group and is incredibly excited to be joining a fast paced, entrepreneurial business.
Michelle joins Indevin on the 7th of August and will report to the Group CEO.
June 2023
Appointment of Lindsay Render as Chief Financial Officer with Entrada Travel Group
Entrada Travel Group have announced that Lindsay Render will be joining the Entrada family as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Lindsay brings extensive financial skills and senior leadership experience gained from a wide range of industries, including stock exchange listed companies. Most recently New Zealand Head of Finance with GWA Group, Lindsay has extensive experience in senior finance leadership roles spanning telecoms, speciality consumers products, building supplies and financial services.
Lindsay commences with the Entrada Travel Group on the 15th of June 2023. We congratulate Lindsay and the Entrada Travel Group on this appointment.
May 2023
Appointment of Michael Hibbert as Head of Reward, Performance and People Technology to Beca
After an extensive executive search, Baxter Executive Search are delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Hibbert to the role of Head of Reward, Performance and People Technology with Beca, reporting to Anne Henry, Chief People Officer. In this role, Michael will lead the Group Reward, Performance & People Technology team to deliver reward, performance, P&C data & analytics as well as people technology solutions to enable Beca’s Group & People Strategy.
With nearly 20 years of experience in remuneration, performance, systems, and analytics, Michael has held a number of roles in leading New Zealand organisations. Over the past nine years, he has successfully led teams at SkyCity Entertainment Group and at the Bank Of New Zealand - where in 2021 he was promoted into his current role as Head of Performance & Reward. Throughout his career, Michael has been involved in driving and delivering change and transformation projects related to remuneration, benefits, and incentive design. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Economics & Management, along with a Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management from the University of Auckland.
Our congratulations to both Michael and Beca on this outstanding appointment. Michael will commence with Beca on the 11th of July 2023.
April 2023
Appointment of Pip Widdon as Finance & Commercial Manager to NZ Hops
NZ Hops have appointed Pip Widdon as Finance & Commercial Manager following an executive search by Baxter Executive Search. Reporting to the CEO of NZ Hops, the Finance & Commercial Manager is a key member of the senior leadership team.
Pip has ten years’ experience in commercial finance roles in the primary industry, infrastructure and professional services sectors. Up until recently she held senior finance roles with the Alliance Group’s finance team including Finance Planning and Commercial Manager roles. For the past year she has been Associate Director, Corporate Finance with Deloitte, building on her early career with PwC’s corporate finance team in Christchurch. Pip is qualified with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Canterbury and an NZIM Diploma in Management.
Pip commences with NZ Hops on Monday April 17th.
March 2023
Appointment of Dean Carroll to NZPM Group Board of Directors
The Directors of NZPM Group Limited (NZPM) are pleased to announce that Mr Dean Carroll has joined the NZPM Board from the 1st of March 2023 as an Appointed Director. Mr Carroll is a professional director with governance and executive experience in New Zealand, Canada and Australia.
He is currently Deputy Chair of Transpower NZ Ltd, and his experience spans international supply chain and logistics, energy and derivative trading, major infrastructure investment and operation and mass market retail activity. Mr Carroll is also a former CEO of a major Australian energy retailer, and he has served on a number of boards, including serving and chairing a wide range of board committees. He has a particular focus on audit and risk, health and safety and the formulation of company purpose and associated strategy. He is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors.
February 2023
Appointment of Daniel Young to President, Tatua Shanghai with Tatua
Tatua has appointed Daniel Young as President, Tatua Shanghai with Tatua following an executive search by Baxter Executive Search. Reporting to the General Manager, Marketing and Sales and to the Tatua Shanghai Subsidiary Board, the President, Tatua Shanghai is a key member of Tatua’s Marketing and Sales senior leadership team.
Daniel has more than 12 years’ experience in sales and technical roles in the dairy industry and since 2015 he has been based in Singapore where he was most recently Global Key Account Manager with Fonterra. Daniel has more than 6 years’ experience in Account Management roles including for a number of multinational customers. He has broad exposure across manufacturing, technical and offshore sales roles. Daniel is qualified with a Master of Dairy Science and Technology from Massey University and Bachelors Degrees in Engineering and Commerce from the University of Auckland. He is married with 3 children.
Daniel commences with Tatua as President, Tatua Shanghai on the 11th of March, 2023 following which he and his family will relocate to Shanghai.
November 2022
Appointment of Anthony Mills to Head of Operations, Argenta Global
Argenta Global have announced the appointment of Anthony Mills to the newly created role of Head of Operations following an executive search by Baxter Executive Search.
Anthony has over 20 years’ experience in senior manufacturing and supply chain leadership roles in the FMCG, dairy and pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors including with Nestle, Cadbury, Pfizer, Fonterra and DB Breweries. He has extensive experience leading transformation across supply chain operations and a reputation for people leadership and for creating shared value through lasting supplier relationships. Anthony has proven commercial leadership capability and extensive experience working with cross functional teams including as Supply Chain Manager with Pfizer in Australia where he led health and safety, customer service, distribution to more than 60 markets and multiple efficiency improvements. For the past 3 years Anthony has been Head of Customer Services, Logistics & Planning with DB Breweries and led transformation of customer service, planning and distribution functions. He is qualified with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Manukau Institute of Technology and an Executive MBA from the University of Auckland.
November, 2022
CentrePort Board appoints Jackie Lloyd as Director
CentrePort have announced the appointment of experienced Director, Jackie Lloyd, to its Board. Jackie is Chair of Naylor Love Enterprises, and a Director of Kiwi Group Holdings Limited, AgResearch and New Zealand Cricket. She is also a Board member of Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and a trustee of the Lion Foundation. Jackie is Vice President of the Institute of Directors (IoD) and steps into the President role in 2023. She is also a National Council member and chairs the IoD Human Resource and Health & Safety Committee. Jackie is a former Director and Deputy Chair of New Zealand Post. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia Executive Development Programme and a member of Global Women and Women in Construction. Jackie is qualified with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Commerce from Otago University.