Craigmore Sustainables has underlined its commitment to growth with two key appointments.

Reuben Casey (pictured) has been appointed Craigmore’s Chief Operating Officer while Con Williams is to join as the company’s new General Manager Horticulture.

Mr Casey is a respected global industry leader and was most recently the chief executive of Kathmandu. He has also held positions at TaylorMade Adidas Golf and Meridian Energy. Mr Williams is joining in late February from MyFarm, where he is currently General Manager Investments, and prior to this, was ANZ Bank’s Agri Economist.

Che Charteris, chief executive of Craigmore, says Mr Casey brings outstanding experience to the role.

“There are a lot of similarities between Kathmandu and Craigmore – a reliance on empowered teams spread around the country, the need to drive sustainability and develop and operate strong systems. We are looking forward to Reuben making a valuable contribution to our mission to grow the best of Aotearoa New Zealand.

“Over the past two years, we have reached well over NZ$1 billion of capital under management. More importantly, we have been nationally recognised for our dairy sustainability programme, built a stunning forestry estate and transformed farmland in Central Hawke’s Bay into one of New Zealand’s iconic apple orchards.

“The New Zealand investor base remains very important to Craigmore, and we have exciting plans in place to raise more capital domestically over the course of the next 12 months.”

Mr Casey said he was delighted to join Craigmore.

“I am excited to contribute to Craigmore’s purpose, which is to produce food and fibre that is sought after around the world. Craigmore leads the way in sustainable practices, benefits our rural communities, has great people and strong values.”

Mr Williams said he was pleased by the career growth opportunity to lead Craigmore’s horticultural operations and foster a strong team culture where individuals can grow their careers.

“I look forward to joining the Craigmore team, overseeing Craigmore’s apple, kiwifruit and vineyard teams, participating in the company’s further growth and bringing its current asset base into full production over the coming years.”

Published: 22 January 2023