Editorial: United strategy for wool
OPINION: Wool farmers believe the future of strong wool still holds promise.
Wools of New Zealand chair Mark Shadbolt says the appointments have come as a result of a rigorous search and selection process and many hours were spent finding the right Directors who have the required specific skill sets and bring diversity of thinking.
“They are all well equipped to do the job we need today and importantly, have the ability to look to the future and think globally. It also sends an important message of confidence in the strategy behind Wools of New Zealand that we have been able to attract directors of this calibre, particularly given we are a young company coupled with the challenges facing the industry as a whole.
Highly respected auditor Ian Marshall, an independent director will also chair the audit and risk committee, “strengthening the strategic direction and financial acumen around the board table and within the company”.
The other directors are independent Rebecca Smith and grower-appointed Lucy Griffiths.
Shadbolt says they were “a very deliberate decision to capture real and proven international sales and marketing expertise and experience alongside the ability to tap into their global market insights and networks.”
Shadbolt says the director appointments had to be right given the key role they will play at the board table in the interests of grower shareholders “who are putting their futures in our hands.
“These new directors understand strategy, sales, branding and marketing, how to tell our story around the world and they acknowledge the disciplines and responsibilities important to a 100% grower owned company. They have all signed up to delivering consistent and greater returns to grower shareholders.
“I have no doubt about these people as directors. We have already seen the benefit of their insights and knowledge when they joined us at our last board meeting. The appointments provide balance and a range of expertise and connections both globally and locally that will assist the rapid progress of growth required for Wools of New Zealand to succeed on the world stage.”
