Raewyn Bleakley, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Food and Grocery Council, has enjoyed working with a wide range of dynamic people who navigate challenges on behalf of businesses.
Her love of science, cuisine and health led her to study human nutrition at Otago University and to her first job in advocacy in the hospitality sector. From there, Bleakley moved to representing transport businesses, then to a role at the Wellington Chamber, before a stint in the public service.
When Bleakley got the role at NZFGC, she said it felt likecoming home.
“The food, beverage and grocery sector is essential to the daily lives of everyone in New Zealand, critically underpins our wellbeing, and plays a crucial role in our economy,” said Bleakley.
Over her extensive career across industries, Bleakley added, "It’s not always the big wins, but the small incremental achievements that are day-to-day highlights, like seeing people come together to create and celebrate positive change."
At the NZFGC, she is especially proud of continuing to be a strong voice of suppliers and meaningful engagement across the supply chain and with government during a challenging time for the industry.
Whether it’s a large FMCG manufacturer or a family‑owned business, the commitment to delivering for consumers has continued to inspire her. She is also driven by the opportunity to help shape a fair, predictable operating environment where businesses can focus on what they do best.
Bleakley felt genuinely lucky to work alongside the NZFGC members, supporting and advocating for what would enable them to be the best they can be at delivering great products, pursuing their aspirations to look after the planet and people, and running successful and enduring businesses.
“You have to be smart, strategic, decisive and agile to thrive in the fast-moving world of consumer goods. Our leaders care deeply about doing the right thing, for consumers, for their teams, the environment and for the sector as a whole. They’re leading with integrity, challenging themselves, and are willing to have the tough conversations when needed.”
She added that harnessing the collective intelligence, drive and foresight of the industry’s leaders, and connecting it with the government’s role of regulating sensibly while enabling business, can be invigorating and rewarding, as well as frustrating at times.
Her advice to others in the industry was to stay curious, stay connected and stay calm. She said that FMCG moves fast, and the people who succeed operate at pace, keep learning and adapting, and build successful and lasting relationships.
“This advice also steers you well in the line of work the small but mighty team do at NZFGC such as approaching issues with curiosity and listening carefully to a wide range of perspectives, which enables us to be constructive and provide a comprehensive evidence when having the sorts of public policy conversations we have and working collaboratively with the government and other parts of the sector to find the solutions.”
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