Summer Pringle was always drawn to work where accountability mattered, and decisions had a direct impact on people, communities, and public confidence.
Early in her career, Pringle gravitated toward roles at the intersection of law and regulation, people and real‑world outcomes. That mix of responsibility and purpose led her into regulatory assurance in the FMCG sector.
“My pathway into the supermarket industry wasn’t a straight line. I began my career in legal and policy roles, where the real challenge wasn’t just understanding the rules, but helping organisations apply them in ways that were fair, practical and aligned with their values,” said Pringle.
“Over time, I became increasingly interested in how good judgement, clear advice and strong governance can support better outcomes for both organisations and the communities they serve.”
As an American building her career in New Zealand, she found that her experience shaped her leadership style and that listening first and understanding expectations were important.
She said that New Zealand’s emphasis on collaboration, pragmatism, and trust has strongly influenced her approach, particularly in regulatory roles, where credibility is built through relationships as much as through technical expertise.
In her current role as Head of Regulatory Assurance at Foodstuffs South Island, Pringle has been working closely with teams across the business, as well as with boards, regulators and industry partners. She enjoyed helping people navigate complexity, translating regulatory requirements into clear, workable approaches, and supporting teams in doing the right thing with confidence.
Throughout her career, she has learned that leadership in regulatory environments isn’t about having all the answers, but rather about asking the right questions, giving clear advice, and having the courage to stand by that advice when it matters.
“Credibility is built over time, through consistency, transparency and follow‑through.”
What has continued to motivate her has been the opportunity to lead in a space that never stands still.
“Regulation evolves, expectations change, and the work is rarely simple, but that’s what makes it meaningful.”
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