Beef + Lamb NZ chief executive Sam McIvor steps down

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Sam McIvor is moving on after eight years at the helm of Beef + Lamb New Zealand.
Photo: Beef + Lamb NZ

The chief executive of Beef + Lamb New Zealand and the New Zealand Meat Board Sam McIvor has resigned and is taking up another leadership role in the primary sector.

McIvor will head OSPRI, New Zealand’s integrated animal disease management and traceability service provider.

“We are delighted that Sam has chosen to continue with a role in the agriculture sector and are confident he will continue to make a positive impact in this position,” Beef + Lamb New Zealand chair Kate Acland said.

“We are delighted that Sam has chosen to continue with a role in the agriculture sector and are confident he will continue to make a positive impact in this position,” she said.

McIvor has been chief executive for the past eight years, and with the organisation for 17 years.

He said it had been an honour to work in and lead the two organisations over two stints, which have totalled almost half his working career.

“The work B+LNZ and the NZMB do is critical to the sector and throughout my time a standout feature has been the passion, capability and hard work of the staff to deliver value for farmers. It’s been a privilege to work with and lead them.

“This work though is not possible without relationships. Whether these be in the processing and exporting sector, the research, extension and wider agribusiness community, industry good, or government, I’ve enjoyed immensely the camaraderie and challenges from addressing issues and opportunities together,” he said.

McIvor acknowledged the farmers calling them the “bedrock and beating heart” of the sector and a group of people he was immensely proud of.

“They are frank, welcoming, world class operators, and committed to playing such an important role for New Zealand.”

The board will start the search for a new chief executive in the coming weeks and McIvor’s last day will be 24 July. He starts with OSPRI in August.