Silver Fern Farms has appointed Simon Limmer as its new chief executive.
Photo: RNZ / Maja Burry
Mr Limmer has spent the past nine years working for kiwi-fruit exporter Zespri, most recently as chief operating officer.
In March next year he will take over the Silver Fern Farms chief executive role from Dean Hamilton, who resigned in July.
Silver Fern Farms has had a turbulent 12 months with several meat plant closures, and a battle with some shareholders to get the Shanghai Maling deal over the line.
Mr Limmer said he was excited to take on the leadership of the company which is well positioned to add value to New Zealand's natural grass-fed red meat.
"There is a consumer trend to natural whole foods, the company has a really good brand, is well capitalised, and has a talented and enthusiastic group of people."
Before his work at Zespri Mr Limmer spent 14 years with French multi-national Veolia in Europe, East Asia, Oceania and the Americas.
Silver Fern Farms co-chair Rob Hewett said the board was excited by Mr Limmer's leadership skills.
"Simon comes with deep commercial experience in the food, manufacturing and service sectors both here in New Zealand and in several of the key international markets in which we operate."
Mr Hewett said the Board was appreciative of the service Dean Hamilton had given the company for the past three years.