Cunningham has over two decades of senior leadership experience in the fresh produce industry
International Fresh Produce Association A-NZ (IFPA A-NZ) has announced the appointment of strategy and transformation specialist Verena Cunningham to strengthen the organisation’s presence in New Zealand.
Cunningham brings 25 years of senior leadership experience from the fresh produce industry, including executive roles at SeekaFresh and Seeka; head of strategy and category development (NZ Produce); transformation manager at T&G Global; and marketing and strategic roles at Bayer CropScience, Germany.
Her role is newly created by IFPA A-NZ to focus on growth opportunities for New Zealand members.
“The focus will be on New Zealand members – understanding what they need, what will benefit their business, and helping their voices get heard. I am keen to understand what our members would like to see from this role and what difference it can make for them locally and on a global scale,” Cunningham said.
“New Zealand has unique opportunities given the focus on export, our smaller population and the local retail market dynamics.
“I’m really looking forward to getting to know members, working alongside them, listening to industry priorities, and helping develop and translate the IFPA A-NZ strategy into action for the benefit of the New Zealand horticulture sector.
“With a focus on strengthening local member engagement, my first priority is to develop a New Zealand-specific membership strategy and business plan that delivers value for members while continuing to connect them to the overall IFPA A-NZ and IFPA Global opportunities, insights and networks.”
Cunningham was a member of the IFPA A-NZ board of directors from 2018 to 2022 and has an innate understanding of New Zealand’s horticulture industry and its position within a global context. She was also a deputy board member of the NZ Horticultural Export Authority.
Prior to assuming her role, Cunningham was a strategy and transaction partner at EY NZ, providing advice and support on the successful execution of clients’ strategic priorities, including Australasian horticulture and primary industry organisations.
She is based in Auckland and has been appointed part-time with IFPA A-NZ.
IFPA A-NZ managing director Belinda Wilson said the position was continuing to evolve to identify the best ways to support members.
“Verena understands the need to develop a strategy specific to the region’s needs and opportunities. She has a passion for the New Zealand and global horticulture industry and is known for building strong relationships and collaboration, and within the horticulture industry, for strategy and operational/sales roles that make a difference. Her proven track record in strategy makes her the perfect fit to drive value for our New Zealand members,” Wilson said.
