Silver Fern Farms co-chairman Rob Hewett said Limmer has an excellent set of skills and experience.
“The board is excited by the leadership Simon will bring to Silver Fern Farms. Simon comes with deep commercial experience in the food, manufacturing and service sectors both here in New Zealand and in several of the key international markets in which we operate,” Hewett said.
Limmer has spent the past nine years working for Zespri in a variety of general management roles in New Zealand and in China. Prior to that, he spent 14 years with French multi-national Veolia, in Europe, East Asia, Oceania and the Americas.
“His experience, most recently with Zespri as their chief operating officer, and prior to that as their GM China, gives us confidence he will be able to continue our development as a consumer-oriented food business. Simon has a clear affinity with NZ agriculture and what is required to successfully take our great products to consumers locally and around the world,” Hewett said.
Limmer said he was excited to be taking on the leadership of SFF at an important time in its development.
“It is a great time to be leading Silver Fern Farms.
“The company is well positioned to add value to New Zealand’s natural grass-fed red meat – there is a consumer trend to natural whole foods, the company has a really good brand, is well capitalised, and has a talented and enthusiastic group of people.”
Limmer will take over from Dean Hamilton in March. Mr Hewett says Hamilton, who announced he was stepping down from the role in July, will stay on in the role until that time to ensure a smooth transition.
“The board is really appreciative of the service Dean has given us over the past 3 years. His strategic and people leadership has laid a strong foundation for Silver Fern Farms and we are confident Simon will continue that progress.”
