The search for a new chief executive officer to lead Zespri will begin next year.

A succession plan is currently being formulated by the kiwifruit marketer and the aim is to have the new chief executive in place by the beginning of 2018 to replace current CEO Lain Jager.

A succession plan is being formulated to replace current Zespri chief executive officer Lai Jager, who will remain in the role until 2018. File Photo.

Lain was appointed chief executive officer of Zespri in December 2008 and will remain in the role until the new CEO starts.

Zespri chairman Peter McBride says the board is balancing continuity and renewal in the leadership of the organisation.

'The Zespri Board has set out a process for succession at an optimal time. The timeframe helps to ensure continuity through this transition, which is important given Zespri's critical role in the value chain for kiwifruit growers and customers globally.

'At the same time, Zespri now has an experienced and stable management team in place and the Board will consider both potential internal and external candidates for the position.

Lain has served as chief executive of Zespri for nearly a decade and Peter notes his enormous contribution to the New Zealand kiwifruit industry.

During Lain's tenure, the country's kiwifruit industry has recovered well from Psa, while Zespri has delivered success with the commercialisation of SunGold and has also expanded sales in both new and mature markets around the world.

Lain's record speaks for itself and he has helped Zespri manage the opportunities and challenges which come with growth, says Peter.

'Global sales have nearly doubled during his tenure, and value created for growers and shareholders has increased strongly. Furthermore, Lain has provided strategic direction and overseen the development of Zespri's organisational culture.

'Under Lain's leadership, Zespri has strengthened our systems, policies and processes which together support the company's globalisation and build one company with one culture. This sets Zespri up well for capturing the strong growth opportunities ahead.”

Lain says working as part of the industry leadership team and with Zespri employees and partners around the world is a huge privilege.

He is looking forward to supporting the succession process and helping the board of directors in providing leadership continuity through this period.

'I also am excited about the 2017 season and look forward to my final year working with growers and Zespri partners globally,” says Lain.

ABOUT LAIN JAGER:

Supplied Photo.

Lain Jager joined Zespri in 1999 as human resources manager and was promoted to general manager supply chain in July 2004. He was later appointed acting chief executive in July 2008, then chief executive in December 2008.

Before Zespri, Lain was director of human resources at the Sheraton Auckland, and prior to that executive development manager for Pacific Steel and human resources manager for Sheraton Rotorua.

Lain, who grew up in New Plymouth, has a Master's degree in Psychology, Philosophy and English from the University of Waikato.