A horticultural heavyweight and one of New Zealand’s longest-established businesses, Jenkins Group Ltd announced a new MD.
Jenkins Group has been a critical player in Australasia’s horticulture post-harvest industry. Through multiple subsidiaries, it has provided an extensive range of labelling, packaging, and automated handling systems to New Zealand and Australia's fruit and vegetable industries.
Cameron McInness will take over as managing director of the privately owned business, which is now in its 141st year. This followed the retirement of Tony Sayle, who has led the company for the past 25 years.
In recent years, the family-owned company has experienced exciting innovation and expansion. McInness previously held the role of general manager of Jenkins’ startup business, Ripesense Ltd, which produced the world’s first fruit label that changed colour to depict the ripeness of fruit.
He has also headed up Global Pac Technologies, a joint venture established to sell intelligent robotic fruit-packing machines in partnership with Robotic Plus Ltd. The Aporo II automates the most labour-intensive job in the packhouse and has proven to be a game-changer for post-harvest operators around the globe.
McInness, who has been with the company for 22 years, will take over in October.
“I am delighted that Cameron has accepted the role and has the chance to take the company forward into a new chapter in its long and vibrant history. He will continue a long tradition of family members leading our business, which started in Auckland in 1883,” said Sayle.
“For my part, it has been a privilege to lead one of New Zealand’s longest-established businesses and work with the family and shareholders that have been so supportive and positive throughout my time as Managing Director.”
After spending time in the UK and California with a key Jenkins' Group partner, Sinclair International, McInness returned to New Zealand in 2002 to head up the group’s horticulture division. Subsequently, he joined the Jenkins Board and became General Manager of Jenkins Labels.
“With his extensive immersion across all facets of the Jenkins business and experience with our partners, Cameron is ideally positioned to take on the Managing Director role and lead the business forward to further success.”
McInness later headed to Australia as GM of the Group’s subsidiary, J-Tech Systems Pty Ltd. As Director of New Ventures and Innovation for Jenkins, he has been instrumental in establishing shareholding partnerships with CR Automation Ltd and ABC Software Ltd.
“On behalf of Jenkins, I would like to thank Tony Sayle for his commitment and service to our customers, partners, and people. Over his tenure, Tony has led Jenkins through significant change and, at times, major industry and global challenges. He has always led with honesty and integrity,” said McInness, who was honoured to take on the MD of the Jenkins Group role.
Sayle will continue as a member of the Jenkins Board.
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