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Dr Claire Nicholson (Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāruahine, Ngāti Kahungnunu) has joined the Farmlands Board, with more than two decades of experience across agribusiness, governance, veterinary science, animal health, technical research and the environment.
Dr Nicholson is a director of Parininihi ki Waitōtara Inc (PKW) and chief executive of Sirona Animal Health. She is a member of the Māori, Stakeholders and Science Advisory Groups for the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre, a member of the industry advisory group for a joint government and University of Otago project developing new antimicrobials for the animal health sector and was previously general manager for animal health company Intervet in New Zealand.
Dr Nicholson has a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. She is a graduate of the Hillary leadership programme, the Agri-Women’s Development Trust’s accelerator programme and Fonterra’s Governance Development Programme.
The appointment follows the vacancy created by the departure of Peter Ellis as director in December 2021. Claire’s appointment was effective 1 March 2022 and she will be eligible for re-appointment at this year’s AGM.
Farmlands chairman, Rob Hewett, said: “Claire’s appointment further strengthens the experience and perspectives of the Board at an important time for Farmlands. Her experience in, and commitment to, innovation will be valuable as Farmlands’ management team, led by recently-appointed CEO Tanya Houghton, delivers on a broad programme of renewal and change.”
Dr Nicholson said: “Having been involved in many sectors of the rural industry for over 20 years, I am excited to join Farmlands at this time. I look forward to offering my experience gained from a range of organisations to help Farmlands deliver improvements for shareholders, customers and partners.”