7 Jun 2013

PGG Wrightson gets new boss

7:44 pm on 7 June 2013

Rural services company PGG Wrightson has appointed Mark Dewdney as chief executive from the beginning of July.

Mr Dewdney will be the troubled company's third leader in as many years.

He replaces George Gould, who is due to step down at the end of August. Mr Gould had replaced Tim Miles in February 2011.

Until last month Mr Dewdney was chief executive of Livestock Improvement Corporation, a farmer-owned co-operative dedicated to improving dairy farm productivity.

PGW director Trevor Burt says he was the best candidate for the job.

"A good, capable chief executive who understands the agri sector of New Zealand but also brings that international experience. We and the board are absolutely confident that that he's the right person to take us to the next stage of growth."

Mr Burt is chairman of Ngai Tahu which, together with China-based Agria, owns just over 50% of PGG Wrightson.