June 27, 2013
Wakatu pays tribute to retiring CEO
The chair of Nelson-based Wakatu Incorporation, Paul Morgan, says Chief Executive Keith Palmer will be held to replace.
Mr Palmer is stepping down after 15 years in the job, during which time the incorporation has built its original $11 million land base into a $250m property, food and beverage business and export company.
Mr Morgan says much of that was down to Mr Palmer’s skill and the relationships he was able to form with Māori and Pākehā alike.
"We’re simple landowners and water space owners and the challenge of integrating those businesses is very significant. I takes time to build exporting businesses or any business, and it takes considerable capital and skills," he says.
One of the challenges for the new chief executive will be delivering on Wakatu’s strategy to develop more high value food businesses.
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