Leah Prankerd: A passion for dairying and farmer support
It was love that first led Leah Prankerd to dairying.
He was announced as the new chief executive last week to replace Tim Mackle who leaves the industry-good organisation this week after 15 years in the role.
Parker joins DairyNZ from GEA Farm Technologies NZ, where he has been CEO since 2020.
With over 25 years experience in agriculture, Parker held previous roles with PGG Wrightson, Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) and Ballance Agri-Nutrients.
He holds a Bachelor of Agriculture, majoring in rural valuation from Massey University and grew up on a sheep, beef and dairy grazing farm.
Parker is excited by the opportunity to contribute to dairy farming in a new and challenging role.
"I am genuinely humbled and excited to be joining DairyNZ as the next chief executive.
"I am passionate about the role the dairy sector plays in creating jobs, building communities, and contributing to the success of the New Zealand economy," said Parker.
"It is important to build on the good work Tim and the team have done over the past decade, and to keep that moving, working collaboratively to ensure long-term sustainability and profitability of the sector."
DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel is pleased with the expertise Parker brings to the chief executive role, including extensive experience in the rural and corporate sectors.
"Recruiting a new chief executive who is passionate about dairy farming and its future has been hugely important to us - alongside leadership skills to continue DairyNZ's positive direction, as an organisation here and first and foremost to represent our dairy farmers," says van der Poel.
"Campbell brings significant leadership and sector experiene that will be invaluable to both DairyNZ's senior team and in supporting and representing our farmer levy payers, in a wide range of forum.
"Campbell is passionate about agriculture and supporting New Zealand dairy to continue as a world-leading sector. We are pleased to welcome Campbell to the team."
Van der Poel also thanked Mackle for his significant service to DairyNZ and its farmers.
"Tim has been a true advocate for our dairy farmers and a steadying force at DairyNZ, during a period of significant change and challenge for the dairy sector."
Peter Scott will act as chief executive until Parker takes over.
