Sanford makes executive appointments to new roles

Sanford Limited (NZX:SAN.NZ - News) today announced recent changes to its senior executive team as the company modernises its structure to support a customer-focused domestic and international value-add strategy.

In addition to the CEO, the Senior Executive Team is now made up of:

Greg Johansson as Chief Operations Officer. This reflects Greg’s contribution to the company and focuses all of Sanford’s operations under his oversight. Greg has been General Manager Operations at Sanford for three years and before that was Manager of Sanford’s deepwater operations.

Clement Chia as Chief Financial Officer responsible for identifying new business opportunities and maximising the commercial success of Sanford through leadership of the administrative, financial, information technology and risk management activities of the company.

Claire Walker as Chief People Officer responsible for creating an environment that will attract, retain and develop talent through the implementation of human resource management related policies and procedures that reflect Sanford’s size and vision. Claire will also oversee the company’s sustainability portfolio.

The company also announced the retirement of Vaughan Wilkinson, General Manager Marketing and Development.

These changes come following the appointment of CEO, Volker Kuntzsch, who joined Sanford in December 2013 from senior international seafood industry roles.

Mr Kuntzsch says that these are the first of important structural changes being made within Sanford as it becomes a customer-focused and innovative seafood company producing premium seafood products.

"Sanford is among the largest international fishing quota holders, and our diverse aquaculture and fishing operations can supply the wide range of seafood products that customers demand. We want our seafood to move beyond a traded commodity because what we take from the oceans is a precious resource".

"Supported by a strong and experienced leadership team, my goal is to drive more value for Sanford’s seafood products through leveraging New Zealand’s image and international reputation, our unique marine environment and premium seafood resource," said Mr Kuntzsch.