NZ National Fieldays Society announces next CEO

By: Media Release

Date: 20.01.2016

Following an extensive search by nationally recognised recruitment firm Farrow Jameson, the board of the NZ National Fieldays Society is pleased to announce Peter Nation as the society’s new chief executive.

NZ National Fieldays Society president Warwick Roberts says the board is delighted to have Nation, currently national sales manager at Gallagher, taking the pivotal leadership role at the society, beginning 14 March 2016.

"Peter brings a wealth of experience from his time with Gallagher Group and also his previous leadership roles with the ANZ Banking Group. Combined with his knowledge of the agri sector and the breadth of his network, he will provide strong leadership for the Society and build on our success with Fieldays, Equidays and Mystery Creek Events Centre."

Nation says his new role as CEO to the society presents a new challenge in an industry he has dedicated his life to.

"NZ National Fieldays Society is an iconic organisation with nearly 50 years of history and a significant presence both on the national and international stage. The opportunity to lead such an organisation is a real opportunity," he says. "It’s hard to put into words."

"The society presents a lot of opportunity for growth and future developments, which is exciting to be part of. From the masterplan site works, to the building of charitable endeavours and the continuing support of the next generation in agribusiness, this is a very special organisation to be part of at a very special time."

With more than 65 applicants, Roberts says the Fieldays chief executive role was highly sought after and the quality of candidates extremely high.

"We looked across a broad section of applicants and were fortunate to have had a high calibre of potential leaders to select from."

Nation, who has served on the society’s board of directors since 2004, has held the role of vice president of the organisation since 2013.

Roberts continues, "With recent changes at Board level, and several new directors joining the society’s board, the appointment of our new chief executive presents another exciting opportunity to continue our journey and build on the recent changes driven into the organisation."

Newly-elected voard directors include James Allen, Sir John Gallagher and Jenni Vernon (who was a co-opted board director for 2015). Co-opted board directors are Bill Falconer (returning for a second year), Brent Goldsack and Pam Roa. Peter Carr returns as a board director. Warwick Roberts returns as president for the next year.

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