King Salmon chief moves to board

King Salmon chief moves to board

The chief executive of New Zealand King Salmon, Paul Steere, is to relinquish his executive role and has accepted an invitation to join the board of the company.

Mr Steere will continue as chief executive until a replacement has been found.

Mr Steere has led King Salmon and its predecessor for 15 years during which time the company has grown to become an extensive force within the seafood industry and has more than doubled the consumption of its fresh and packaged salmon products in New Zealand. Its nutritional products now enjoy an international reputation for quality, innovation and consistency.

Mr Steere says the time has come to bring a new pair of hands to the helm of the business.

“It’s one of the best jobs in the food industry with a marvellous company producing ‘the perfect protein’. While standing down comes with some regret I am certain that it is now time for new energy and fresh ideas to continue to take the company forward.

“Fifteen years is a good innings during times of great challenge and times of great accomplishment. I am extremely proud of the team at King Salmon, at the high professional and passionate culture within the company and at its resilience and strengths that are the hallmark of success.

“It has been a singular honour to serve the company and I will always be its greatest advocate knowing it will continue to enjoy unique qualities of success. I am delighted to accept the board’s invitation to continue as a director,” Mr Steere says.

King Salmon chairman, Tom Sturgess paid tribute to Mr Steere’s significant service and outstanding leadership.

“We have just completed another record year, where global sales rose 19 per cent and in New Zealand were up 12 per cent. Our EBIT rose 15 per cent at a time when all around us profits have been under huge pressure.

“Paul Steere’s contribution to the success of King Salmon has been considerable. On his watch the company has more than doubled in size while ensuring a sustainable operation and favourable financial performance. The board is very grateful for both the stewardship and the leadership that Mr Steere has given the company.

“The board understands Mr Steere’s reasoning in handing over the reins and appreciates his generosity in giving us ample time to secure a successor. We wish Mr Steere well in his future endeavours and look forward to his continuing experience and wisdom at the board table.

“The board has engaged external recruitment specialists to provide suitable candidates for the position of chief executive and hopes to make an appointment within a few months,” concluded Mr Sturgess.

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