Rockit Global appoints COO
Rockit Global has appointed Ivan Angland as its new chief operating officer as it continues its growth strategy into 2025.
Snack-size apple producer Rockit Global Ltd has appointed Grant McBeath as its new chief executive officer.
McBeath starts his role this month and replaces Mark O’Donnell, who in June announced his upcoming retirement.
Rockit chair, John Loughlin says the appointment follows a search that included international candidates for the role.
“The Rockit Board is delighted with the appointment of a proven leader with a strong track record of performance in complex roles, fast moving businesses, country leadership in Asian markets and fast-moving consumer goods,” says Loughlin.
“Grant’s most recent roles were at Spark, and before that with Nokia, Cadbury, Caltex / Chevron Texaco, SC Johnson Wax and Coca-Cola Amatil. He has demonstrated experience delivering sales and services solutions at scale, being key in driving a transformation to agile while delivering strong revenue and profitability growth.”
McBeath is excited to be given an opportunity to lead the Rockit business which operates a complete value chain from orchards, mainly in New Zealand, to consumers around the world.
“There are huge challenges and some aspects of the business that will be new to me. At the same time, I can see that some of my career experiences will equip me well to contribute strongly where the prize is greatest for Rockit.”
“I will be starting in the new role early this month and am looking forward to meeting the Rockit team, growers, customers and suppliers and making a high impact contribution to this fast-moving business. It is great to be able to have a quality transition working with Mark O’Donnell over his final months. It is a privilege to take over what Mark has built, and to take this business to the next level.”
Legal controls on the movement of fruits and vegetables are now in place in Auckland’s Mt Roskill suburb, says Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner North Mike Inglis.
Arable growers worried that some weeds in their crops may have developed herbicide resistance can now get the suspected plants tested for free.
Fruit growers and exporters are worried following the discovery of a male Queensland fruit fly in Auckland this week.
Dairy prices have jumped in the overnight Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction, breaking a five-month negative streak.
Alliance Group chief executive Willie Wiese is leaving the company after three years in the role.
A booklet produced in 2025 by the Rotoiti 15 trust, Department of Conservation and Scion – now part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute – aims to help people identify insect pests and diseases.

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