New Zealand-based fruit science company HortResearch has appointed a new chief executive.

HortResearch chairman Jim McLean announced today that Peter Landon-Lane will take up the role in September, based at the company’s Auckland head office.

Landon-Lane replaces previous ceo Paul McGilvary, who resigned in February to become chief executive officer at Tatua Limited. Landon-Lane is currently based in Hamburg as general manager, Fonterra Europe, a position he has held since November 2005. He previously held a number of senior positions within Fonterra and its predecessor the New Zealand Dairy Board, including postings in Japan and Taiwan.

Prior to entering the dairy industry Landon-Lane held trade policy and trade relations roles in New Zealand and Asia with the department of trade and industry.

“Peter’s international background and his experience in business development with the food and agri-industry sectors is a strong fit with HortResearch’s strategy to build greater value from innovation in New Zealand’s export fruit and food industry,” said McLean.

“The industries our science supports have high expectations of HortResearch’s ability to deliver research that drives market growth. We’re looking forward to working with Peter to meet that demand and grow opportunities for New Zealand’s horticulture sector.”