The New Zealand Pork Industry Board has announced the appointment of 25-year industry veteran David Baines to the role of NZ Pork general manager.
The former general manager of Alliance Meats and joint general manager and director of Pork Corp New Zealand Limited, David Baines will head the industry good body, based at the organisation’s head office in Christchurch.
NZ Pork Chairman Eric Roy says the Board has been very pleased to be able to appoint someone of Mr Baines’ calibre and experience to the role. “David has a long and proven history working across the domestic meat sector and a comprehensive understanding of the demands of every aspect of the industry,” says Roy.
“A respected and trusted industry leader, David’s long involvement with pig production, processing, wholesaling and retailing has given him valuable insights into the unique challenges the sector faces and opportunities we see ahead.”
A past president, current director and life member of Retail Meat NZ Inc, independent chairman of the NZ Meat Processors Association and director of Beef + Lamb NZ, Baines has established relationships across the local supply chain. He has worked closely with local pig farmers throughout his career, with a detailed understanding of pig production systems and local pig genetics, developed through his role as a director of a national pig breeding company.
Baines has also been responsible for establishing a wide range of successful sales and marketing initiatives, including the development of a new export market for fresh New Zealand pork in Singapore in the early 2000s.
Baines says that while he comes from the commercial end of the local sector, he has a very clear understanding of, and appreciation for, the issues facing New Zealand pork producers. “My focus is on being an effective leader and facilitator on behalf of our hard-working local pig farmers, using my broad range of industry relationships, strategic focus and communication skills to advocate on their behalf,” he says.
“Developing trust and open and transparent communication across the supply chain – as well as with our consumers, regulators and other stakeholders – is essential in delivering overall value to every aspect of this dynamic local industry.”
Baines will commence his role with NZ Pork on 7th January 2019.
