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Ruralco are defending the 18-month contract for its new chief executive officer, saying it will provide stability for Ashburton’s powerhouse agricultural co-operative.
Tony Aitken, who was only named interim CEO just two weeks ago, has now been confirmed in the top job but for only 18 months.
Aitken’s fixed term contract period may seem an unusual move for an organisation of Ruralco’s size and coming off the back of Rob Sharkie’s resignation as CEO last month.
The new CEO appointment also follows Ruralco’s recent restructure, which the Guardian understands extended right to the executive team.
But Ruralco chairman Sir David Carter said because Sharkie’s resignation after six years was “a surprise to many staff and stakeholders”, the board decided an 18-month appointment for Aitken would provide a period of certainty and stability.
“It then gives the board time to initiate a recruitment process if, and when, it is required,” he said.
Carter also said Ruralco’s board believed Aitken’s skill set was a good fit for the co-operative and that the company’s financial position was strong, though he expected the trading environment to be tougher than last year.
“We will continue to review, respond and adjust our business model as the year progresses,’’ Carter said.
“My own farming business is doing what any prudent business would do – consider all costs and consolidate whenever necessary. Ruralco is doing the same.’’
Aitken, who had been the company’s people and culture general manager until Sharkie’s sudden departure, told the Guardian he was humbled to be appointed to the role.
“Ruralco has a rich history of supporting farmers and I’m excited to continue this legacy to support a sustainable future for our farming communities,’’ he said.
“I feel proud to have been given the opportunity and look forward to leading a great team on the journey ahead.”
Aitken said he enjoyed helping organisations grow and his strengths-based approach was the right fit for Ruralco.
“I believe that people naturally want to do well and a culture that enables that will ensure continued business success for the co-operative.”
But Aitken, who was part of Dunsandel-based Synlait Milk as it grew from 140 staff to more than 1000 in eight years, acknowledged that the agriculture industry was facing many challenges.
“Our plan is to continue to have farmers backs and support them through these challenges, as Ruralco has done for the past 60 years,” he said.
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