After 31 years at the helm of kiwifruit packhouse company EastPack, Tony Hawken is stepping down from his position as CEO at the end of this year.

The leader of the largest post-harvest operator in the industry – with bases in Edgecumbe, Opotiki, Te Puke, Katikati and Whangarei – has decided the time is right to pursue other interests.

EastPack CEO Tony Hawken is resigning after 31 years at the helm.

But EastPack will retain Tony's services on reduced time for special projects for up to two years.

'The company and the kiwifruit industry has come through a very difficult time as we've dealt with the impacts of Psa-V, but now is the right time to hand over the reins,” says Tony.

'Stability is vital for the company so a smooth transition to a new CEO will be the focus over the next few months.”

Chairman Ray Sharp says EastPack is deeply indebted to Tony for the role he's played in the company since its inception.

'During his time, the company has become New Zealand's largest kiwifruit packing and coolstorage provider processing 27 per cent of the country's kiwifruit.

'This exceptional growth has posed huge challenges to the CEO, but he has always risen to these challenges and has become a highly regarded industry leader.”

Ray says Tony would be retained for special projects to assist with EastPack's upcoming large capital development programme and any other programmes required by the new CEO or board.

Tony will also help with the programme required to pack and coolstore the expected rapid growth in kiwifruit numbers following growers' recovery from Psa, says Ray.

EastPack has commenced a search for a replacement CEO.