Senior Management Changes at Manuka Health New Zealand

Senior Management Changes at Manuka Health New Zealand

Founder Kerry Paul appointed to the Board and to the role of Director of Business Development. New CEO announced.

Manuka Health New Zealand today announced that founder Kerry Paul has been appointed to the Board of Directors following the purchase of the New Zealand food and healthcare company by Pacific Equity Partners in December 2015.

One of the industry's leading entrepreneurs, Mr Paul established Manuka Health in 2006 growing it to become one of the world’s largest Manuka honey companies, distributing to more than 45 countries.

“Because of our success, expansion and increasing complexity, additional management resource will help the company continue its successful growth and reach its potential faster,” says Kerry Paul, Founder and Director.

Alongside the board appointment Mr Paul will remain active in the business as Director of Business Development; a newly created role that will enable him to focus on further developing the company's honey supply, new product development and R&D initiatives. He will also oversee the company’s M&A activity.

New CEO is John Kippenberger who will lead Manuka Health to the next stage of its development and growth. The appointment is effective immediately.

“I’m really excited about this next phase for Manuka Health and to have the opportunity to work with a quality executive like John Kippenberger and focus on areas of the business that I am particularly passionate about,” says Mr Paul.

A highly respected CEO, Mr Kippenberger is renowned for his leadership, decision making and strategic ability to grow companies. He has a proven track record building great management teams, and injecting strategic focus and energy into business growth and turnarounds. John is former CEO of Premier Beehive NZ and of the Australian meat & dairy business of George Weston Foods. He is also a board member of the NZ Food & Grocery Council, a role he’s held since 2013.

Speaking of his appointment Mr Kippenberger said the opportunities for the organisation and for New Zealand were huge.

“The outstanding success of Manuka Health is a real credit to Kerry’s vision and business acumen and I am delighted and honoured to be leading the company to its next stage of development and growth.

“Manuka Health is one of the great New Zealand stories of this decade, its Kiwi heritage and entrepreneurial culture highlight the ongoing importance of retaining our strong links and healthy relationships with suppliers and continuing the company’s innovative research and development. There will be no change to this and they will remain important components of our strategy,” says Mr Kippenberger.

“We are planning to invest in the business across our people, operations and manufacturing and to spearhead growth in new markets for our products,” Mr Kippenberger says.

Pacific Equity Partners Managing Director David Brown says, “We are excited by the prospects for Manuka Health and our ability to support future growth initiatives. We’re thrilled to retain Kerry and his enormous experience and expertise as one of the founders of the Manuka honey industry whilst adding the additional proven expertise of John Kippenberger who has an outstanding track record in building dynamic teams, exceptional business growth and strong leadership." [Both Kerry and John are shareholders in the new ownership group of Manuka Health].
John Kippenberger says, “It’s very much business as usual as I quickly get up to speed and work with Kerry to gain a deeper understanding of the business. I am looking forward to getting to know all facets and people involved. I’m excited by the future growth prospects we have and the flow-on benefits that brings for our suppliers, employees, distributors, owners and other stakeholders.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media