Location: Auckland
Phone: 027 493 6194
Elected: 2013
Committee: Remuneration Committee (Chair)
Jon joined the Board of Potatoes New Zealand In 2012, as a Trade member while in the role of CEO for Mr Chips Ltd. After leaving Mr Chips in 2015, he was asked to continue with the Board as an independent director.
As a dual New Zealand/Canadian citizen, Jon was born and raised a kiwi and then moved to Canada with his family for high school and university years, where he achieved a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of British Columbia. On returning to New Zealand in his early twenties he became employed in the Food Industry, which has continued for his whole working life. Businesses that Jon has been involved in include New Zealand Sugar, Defiance/Goodman, Easiyo , entering the New Zealand potato industry, Mr Chips from 1998.
The early part of Jon’s career was sales driven and, once he made the transition to General Management roles, it was these strengths that saw him lead growth-focused food manufacturing facilities, including plant expansions and business development into new markets. He has had the opportunity to play a part in several acquisitions, mergers, divestments as well as share raising activities.
One of the long-term roles he has with the Potatoes New Zealand Board is as a Chair of the Remuneration Committee. In 2023, Jon also acted as Potatoes New Zealand’s Interim CE for six months to provide stability for the team while a recruitment process was put in place leading to Kate Trufitt to taking the helm as Chief Executive. Jon says “a highlight of this interim role was the opportunity to have face to face interactions with many potato growers, which benefits my on-going directorship”.
During his tenure on the Potatoes New Zealand Board, Jon became a member of the Institute of New Zealand Directors and successfully completed their Company Directors Course.
Jon joined Potatoes New Zealand in the first instance with an invitation to join as a trade member and later the opportunity arose to continue to contribute as an independent director, which he gladly accepted. With 26 years in the Potato industry, he remains highly motivated to serve and forward the interests of our hero potato growers. Organisational effectiveness, including governance has always been a keen interest of his and he still feel he has something to contribute to the industry within the board.
On the board, Jon wants to use his industry experience to contribute to a highly effective board that makes a positive difference in the livelihoods of our levy paying growers.
Commenting on his life outside of work, Jon states he was always a keen sport and fitness addict, however now with a family including two boys in their twenties, and not to mention a heavy wipe-out a few years ago, its cruising rather than racing on the cards. Most days you will see Jon getting his exercise fix out on his mountain bike or hiking with the dog.