The New Zealand Food and Grocery Council has appointed a new Chief Executive.
Chairman Mike Pretty said: “I’m delighted to be able to announce Raewyn Bleakley as the Chief Executive of the Food & Grocery Council, to replace Katherine Rich who is stepping down after 13½ years. She will begin on Monday October 10.”
“Raewyn is an experienced and successful senior leader who has worked across and within government for more than 20 years, 6½ of them in chief executive roles at various industry associations.
“She comes to us after a short break from her most recent position as one of five Deputy Chief Executives at Fire and Emergency NZ for three years, where she was responsible for leading the Office of the Chief Executive. Before that she spent two years as General Manager Governance, Communications and Stakeholders, and three years as Region Director Central New Zealand at Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency).
“Her experience in member associations has been extensive. She started her career as New Zealand Regional Manager for the Hospitality Association and was appointed the first National Operations Manager, before taking on the dual roles of Chief Executive of Bus and Coach Association NZ and the Rental Vehicle Association of NZ. In 2012 she was appointed Chief Executive of Business Central, incorporating Wellington Chamber of Commerce.
“Raewyn also has extensive governance experience, including directorships on the transport Industry Training Organisation Tranzqual, Motor Industry Training Organisation, New Zealand Chambers of Commerce and Industry Board and Management Committee and Wellington Zoo Trust (where she was also was Deputy Chair and Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee).
“On behalf of the Board, I welcome the wide experience Raewyn will bring to the role. As she says herself, she has big shoes to fill, but we are confident she has the experience and skills needed to continue to take the grocery supplier sector forward.”
