Mike Burrell has announced he is standing down as CEO of Aquaculture New Zealand after five years at the helm of the industry’s representative body.
Mr Burrell led the development of the New Zealand Aquaculture Strategy in 2006, before going on to found the new industry organisation the following year.
Aquaculture New Zealand Chairman Peter Vitasovich said Mike was leaving the organisation in a very strong position.
“Under Mike’s leadership, Aquaculture New Zealand has been able to achieve many of the objectives in the sector strategy. This has included reforming the aquaculture law, increasing investment in R&D, and working with companies to develop key export market opportunities,” Mr Vitasovich said.
Mr Burrell will remain in the role until March 2012, before taking up a position within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
“I am extremely proud of what we’ve achieved over the past 5 years,” Mr Burrell said.
“I feel privileged to have been a part of the team that established a single voice for the aquaculture industry and in helping to put in place the foundations to transform the sector.
“I will be sad to leave this dynamic industry, but the time is right to hand over to a new CEO who can lead the organisation as the sector moves into its next phase of sustainable development.”
Mr Burrell takes up his new position in April next year, and a search will begin next week to find a new CEO.