Zespri Executive and Leadership Team

Jason Te Brake, the Chief Executive Officer at Zespri, directs the overarching strategic vision for the global kiwifruit enterprise. Overseeing the entire horticulture marketing framework, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between grower interests and international market demands. This leadership role involves managing complex supply chain logistics across diverse global territories to maintain premium product standards. By optimizing operational efficiency, Jason Te Brake drives long-term value for the grower-owned cooperative. The Chief Executive Officer collaborates with the Board to refine innovation pathways for Zespri Green and SunGold varieties. Through rigorous oversight of distribution networks, the Chief Executive Officer secures market share in competitive retail environments. Ultimately, Te Brake maintains the company's reputation for excellence while navigating the intricacies of the global produce trade, ensuring sustainable growth and profitability across all international operations.

Vicki McColl, the Chief Financial Officer at Zespri, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the organization. Overseeing financial reporting and risk management, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the stability of the grower-owned business model. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to support investment in kiwifruit innovation and infrastructure. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, Vicki McColl drives transparency and accountability across all departments. The Chief Financial Officer coordinates with executive leadership to optimize revenue streams from Zespri Green and SunGold exports. Through strategic financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of market reach in key international regions. Ultimately, McColl secures the financial foundation necessary for the company to thrive in the global horticulture sector, balancing immediate operational needs with long-term capital requirements to sustain the cooperative's competitive advantage.

Yu-Jan Chen, the President at Zespri, executes the operational strategy for key regional markets and business units. Overseeing the implementation of distribution management and supply chain initiatives, the President ensures the seamless delivery of kiwifruit to international customers. This leadership role involves managing regional partnerships and optimizing local market performance to support the company's broader objectives. By streamlining operational processes, Yu-Jan Chen drives efficiency and responsiveness in the supply chain. The President collaborates with other C-suite leaders to integrate regional insights into the global strategy for Zespri Green and SunGold. Through active management of regional operations, the President secures the company's footprint in critical growth areas. Ultimately, Chen maintains the operational integrity of the business, ensuring that regional activities contribute effectively to the overall success and market impact of the organization.

Kok Ng, the Chief Marketing Officer at Zespri, architects the global brand strategy for premium kiwifruit products. Overseeing consumer engagement and market positioning, the Chief Marketing Officer drives demand for Zespri Green, SunGold, and Organic varieties. This leadership role involves crafting campaigns that resonate with diverse international audiences to strengthen brand loyalty. By leveraging data-driven insights, Kok Ng optimizes marketing spend to maximize return on investment across retail channels. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with regional teams to tailor messaging for specific market nuances, ensuring consistent brand identity. Through innovative promotional strategies, the Chief Marketing Officer expands the reach of the company's product portfolio. Ultimately, Ng elevates the market presence of the brand, ensuring that the premium quality of the fruit remains the central focus of all consumer-facing communications and global marketing initiatives.

Edith Sykes, the Chief People Officer at Zespri, directs the human capital strategy and organizational culture for the company. Overseeing talent acquisition, leadership development, and employee engagement, the Chief People Officer ensures the workforce remains aligned with the cooperative's mission. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive environment that supports innovation in horticulture and supply management. By implementing robust performance management systems, Edith Sykes drives operational excellence across all internal teams. The Chief People Officer collaborates with the executive suite to cultivate a high-performance culture capable of navigating the complexities of the global produce industry. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief People Officer supports the company's ability to attract and retain top-tier talent. Ultimately, Sykes strengthens the organizational structure, ensuring that the human element of the business remains a core driver of success and long-term sustainability.