As Rockit Global continues its strategic growth into 2025 and beyond, the innovative snack-sized apple company has announced the appointment of Ivan Angland as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Angland will oversee Rockit's global growing and packing, quality, operations, information technology, and supply chain functions.
Rockit Global CEO, Grant McBeath, said Angland's appointment into this newly established role comes at a key time for the business and will ensure it has the optimal structure to support its teams, customers and growers as it gears up for strong export volumes and continued year-round supply from New Zealand over the coming years.
“Ivan is an experienced agronomist with a comprehensive background in horticulture. With over 26 years’ industry experience in both growing and post-harvest, we are delighted to have appointed a results-driven leader with a proven history of building strong teams, along with an emphasis on health and safety and a passion for apples," said McBeath.
“With a strong focus on quality, Ivan is experienced at multi-site packing and international sourcing, which will help us define our global operations strategy. We are really excited about the calibre of our new COO, who will bring great value, energy and experience to the Rockit Senior Leadership Team. We look forward to welcoming Ivan to the business."
Joining Rockit on Monday the 14th of July, Angland has broad experience following ten years with Turners and Growers in supply, quality and operations management roles, along with ten years as the agriculture and seasonal factory manager at Heinz Watties.
Angalnd was excited to join the Rockit team as its Chief Operating Officer.
“This newly created position will allow Rockit to streamline global operational excellence whilst ensuring great quality outcomes for our customers,” said Angland.
In July, Rockit will also farewell its General Manager of operations, Scott Griffin, who has been with the business for over five years.
“Scott has made an incredible impact at Rockit during his tenure, leading the development of our innovative robotic packhouse from concept into a sophisticated, world-class facility at our global headquarters, Te Ipu, and establishing our in-market packing facility in China. His energy, commitment and passion for Rockit have seen the business lead the nation through continued operation during crises, including Covid-19 and Cyclone Gabrielle, while successfully ensuring our team was safe and able to continue to ‘Rockit every day’," added McBeath.
“As a strong, respected leader, Scott has built a great culture within our operations and packhouse teams, demonstrated by the positive spirit on the floor and the number of seasonal team members that return year after year. His influence on our team and dedication to the brand have been central to the success of the business, and we wish him all the very best for his next endeavour."
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