New Zealand kiwi grower Satara Co-operative Ltd  has appointed Tom Wilson as CEO as the company looks to defines its strategy after the arrival of kiwi vine disease PSA and a failed merger attempt.

In a statement to the New Zealand Exchange, Satara said that Wilson will hold a three year term as CEO. Wilson has held the position on an interim basis since May of last year.

Satara had planned to merge with kiwi packer East Pack in a deal announced toward the end of last year. However the November outbreak of PSA caused enough uncertainty as to how the market would react that East Pack pulled out of the deal in December.

The statement said that the company’s board was satisfied with Wilson’s performance and that his leadership was what the company needed.

“We are delighted for Satara and our growers to secure the expertise and energy Tom will continue to bring to our business” Satara chairman of directors, Hendrik Pieters, said in the statement.

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com