Raewyn Bleakley has been named the new CEO of the New Zealand Food and Grocery Council (NZFCG), after Katherine Rich announced her resignation last month.
Bleakley has more than 20 years of experience working for the government and has served in executive positions at different trade associations for the past six and a half years.
Beginning her career as a regional manager for the Hospitality Association, Bleakley’s most recent position was as one of five deputy CEOs at Fire and Emergency NZ. She previously worked at Waka Kotahi as GM governance, communications, and stakeholders, as well as region director, central New Zealand, at the NZ Transport Agency.
“We are more than confident she will bring experience and skills to take the grocery supplier sector forward,” said Food & Grocery Council chairman Mike Pretty.
Katherine Rich, who steps down from the role after 13.5 years, wrote on her LinkedIn that “the time is right to pass the baton” but she did not reveal her long-term plans.
Pretty praised Rich and her efforts to improve supplier terms. Bleakley will take up the position early next month.
