The Food & Grocery Council has appointed Raewyn Bleakley as Katherine Rich's replacement. Bleakley will take over on Monday, October 10.
"I’m honoured to be following in the footsteps of Katherine, who has achieved such a massive amount for the food industry and its members, and particularly her recent work around the Grocery Market Study and the Code of Conduct," said Raewyn Bleakley.
"The sector, in particular the supplier sector, owes her a debt of gratitude. They’re really big shoes to fill, but I’m looking forward to the challenge of bringing my diverse work experiences together along with my commitment to sustainability and background in food and nutrition to continue the Council’s advance across those and other fronts."
Her most recent positions were as one of five Deputy Chief Executives at Fire Emergency NZ, which she held for three years and the General Manager for Governance, Communications and Stakeholders for two years.
Bleakley was also the Region Director for Central New Zealand at Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency) for three years. She has extensive member association experience; she was the New Zealand Regional Manager for the Hospitality Association, Chief Executive of Bus and Coach Association NZ and the Rental Vehicle Association of NZ, and Chief Executive of Business Central.
She also has extensive government experience, which includes directorships at Tranzqual, Motor Industry Training Organisation, New Zealand Chambers of Commerce and Industry Board and Management Committee, and Wellington Zoo Trust.
"On behalf of the Board, I welcome the wide experience Raewyn will bring to the role. As she says herself, she has big shoes to fill, but we are confident she has the experience and skills needed to continue to take the grocery supplier sector forward," said Mike Pretty, Food & Grocery Council Chair.
