AgriZeroNZ CEO Wayne McNee Resigns; Interim CEO Named

McNee helped set up AgriZeroNZ and has been CEO since it began in February 2023. He hired the team and has led the organisation as it delivered on the strategy set by its Limited Partners.

Ruth Leary, the organisation’s Head of Strategy and Engagement, will become interim CEO from 19 December.

Shift From Developing Tools To Adoption

AgriZeroNZ is moving from investing in the development of new tools to reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions on New Zealand farms to focusing more on the adoption of those tools.

Board chair Rob Hewett says McNee played a significant role in establishing the public-private partnership and delivering on the priorities set by its Limited Partners.

“Wayne has been instrumental in building AgriZeroNZ from the ground up and creating a strong foundation for its success,” Hewett says.

“On behalf of the Board and our Limited Partners, I want to thank him for his leadership and commitment over the past four years. AgriZeroNZ is well positioned for its next stage of delivery, with a strong portfolio, continued backing from our Limited Partners, and a clear focus on getting a range of tools into farmers’ hands. We wish Wayne every success for the future.”

The board also thanked McNee for preparing AgriZeroNZ for its next phase.

Interim Leadership and Recruitment

Recruitment for a new CEO will begin in the New Year. Ruth Leary, AgriZeroNZ’s Head of Strategy and Engagement, will take on the role of interim CEO from 19 December.

Hewett says Leary has been a key member of the leadership team since AgriZeroNZ was established in 2023.

“Ruth has been a key member of the leadership team since AgriZeroNZ was established in 2023 and is well placed to lead the organisation and provide continuity through this transition,” he says.

McNee will remain an AgriZeroNZ-appointed director of portfolio companies Ruminant Biotech and ArkeaBio in the interim.