Photo: NZ Merino Company
The New Zealand Merino company has appointed an Australian agritech leader as its new chief executive.
Angus Street will take over from John Brakenridge who announced last year that he was stepping down after 27 years in the role.
Street has served as chief executive as AuctionsPlus one of Australia's oldest and most successful Agtech businesses since 2018.
Angus Street will take up the chief executive role in August. Photo: Supplied / NZ Merino
"Staying connected to the rural sector is important to me and the opportunity to be part of NZM's journey is a real honour. The company has been challenging the status quo for 27 years and leading the way in sustainable and regenerative farming."
"This is a particularly interesting opportunity for me as my family's roots can be traced back to the birth of the wool industry in Australia in 1797 with the introduction of Spanish blood Merinos by Captain Henry Waterhouse," Street said.
Company board of directors' chair Kate Mitchell said Street's dual experience in technology and agriculture, coupled with a personal affinity for the farming sector made him the ideal candidate to follow in the footsteps of John Brakenridge.
"John was responsible for transforming the fine wool industry in New Zealand, so his resignation kick-started a global search for a leader with the tenacity and imagination necessary to continue NZM's story.
"We are delighted to have Angus join the team. He has the experience, skill, and crucially passion required to lead a complex business that needs to constantly evolve to keep our growers' wool at the forefront of the global market, Mitchell said.
Street and his family are in the process of relocating to Christchurch where he will begin as CEO in August.
Peter Floris, the company's chief operating officer, will continue acting as CEO in the interim.