Kate Scott appointed as new CEO of Horticulture New Zealand

NEW ZEALAND – Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) has named Kate Scott as its new chief executive, starting on October 17, 2024.

Horticulture New Zealand has officially announced Kate Scott as its incoming chief executive, effective from October 17, 2024.

With two decades of experience in agribusiness, Scott brings a wealth of knowledge in resource management, environmental policy, planning, and stakeholder engagement to the role.

Barry O’Neil, chair of HortNZ, praised Scott’s appointment, noting her strong leadership qualities and ability to foster collaboration.

“Kate stood out for her energy and ability to not only deliver on our strategy and priorities but also look for opportunities for wider collaboration,” O’Neil said. He further highlighted her practical problem-solving skills and her knack for building strong relationships.

Scott’s background is impressive, with her current role as executive director of environmental consultancy Landpro, where she has honed her leadership and organizational skills.

She also chairs the New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust and serves as the deputy chair of Thriving Southland. In 2018, Scott was a Nuffield scholar, and she recently received the Rabobank Australasian Emerging Leader award.

Scott’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Political Science from Victoria University.

She has also completed the Leading Professional Service Firms program at Harvard Business School and the Institute of Directors Governance Development Programme.

O’Neil also took the opportunity to commend the outgoing chief executive, Nadine Tunley, for her remarkable contributions during her tenure.

“Nadine has been amazing in the chief executive role. She has always been connected, always looking for the best horticulture and organizational outcomes, and encouraging us to find a better way of working,” he stated.

He acknowledged Tunley’s leadership through significant challenges, including the pandemic, the labor crisis caused by closed borders, and the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle.

Scott’s formal introduction to the HortNZ community will occur at a networking event during the HortNZ conference in Mount Maunganui on August 28.

Until Scott assumes her new role, Michelle Sands, HortNZ’s general manager of strategy and policy, will serve as interim chief executive.