Snack-sized apple company also farewells its general manager, operations Scott Griffin who has been with the business over five years
As Rockit Global continues its strategic growth into 2025, the snack-sized apple company has announced the appointment of Ivan Angland as its new chief operating officer (COO).
Angland will oversee the global growing and packing, quality, operations, information technology and supply chain functions of Rockit.
Rockit Global CEO, Grant McBeath said Angland’s appointment into the newly established role comes at a key time for the business.
“Ivan is an experienced agronomist with a comprehensive background in horticulture,” McBeath said. “With over 26 years’ industry experience in both growing and post-harvest, we are delighted to have appointed a results-driven leader with a proven history of building strong teams, along with an emphasis on health and safety and a passion for apples.”
McBeath added that Angland is experienced at multi-site packing and international sourcing which will help Rockit define its global operations strategy.
“We are really excited about the calibre of our new COO, who will bring great value, energy and experience to the Rockit Senior Leadership Team,” McBeath said. “We look forward to welcoming Ivan to the business.”
Angland has broad experience following ten years with Turners and Growers in supply, quality and operations management roles, along with ten years as the agriculture and seasonal factory manager at Heinz Watties.
Angland said he was excited to join the Rockit team.
“This newly created position will allow Rockit to streamline global operational excellence while ensuring great quality outcomes for our customers,” he said.
Angland will commence step into his new role on 14 July.
In July, Rockit will also farewell its general manager, operations Scott Griffin who has been with the business over five years.
“Scott has made an incredible impact at Rockit during his tenure, leading the development of our innovative robotic packhouse from concept into a sophisticated, world-class facility at our global headquarters, Te Ipu, and establishing our in-market packing facility in China,” McBeath said.
“His energy, commitment and passion for Rockit has seen the business leading the nation through continued operation during crises including Covid-19 and Cyclone Gabrielle, while successfully ensuring our team were safe and able to continue to ‘Rockit every day’.”
McBreath also called out Griffin’s strong leadership skills.
“As a strong, respected leader Scott has built a great culture within our operations and packhouse teams, demonstrated by the positive spirit on the floor and the number of seasonal team members that return year after year,” he said. “His influence on our team and dedication to the brand has been central to the success of the business, and we wish him all the very best for his next endeavour.”
