BayPackers, a Māori-owned fish processing company, has announced that experienced industry operator, Joe Kouwenhoven, has been confirmed in the role of Chief Executive of the company.
Located in popular Mount Maunganui – the year-round buzzing hub of Tauranga Moana – BayPackers is jointly owned by Te Arawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngā Rauru and Moana New Zealand.
“Joe is a seasoned operator with extensive knowledge of the New Zealand and international Fishing industry. He has specialist knowledge in fish processing and product development, and bringing new products through supply chains to consumers,” says BayPackers’ Chair, Chris Karamea Insley.
“The fishing industry faces a growing number of challenges in the short, medium and long-term, such as rising costs, access to labour and diminishing wild stock resources. All of these issues put real pressure on margins and new profitability.
“Joe brings a unique mix of critical focus on production, resource utilisation, margins and profitability on one side, as well as an intimate knowledge of distribution, supply-chain dynamics, customer behaviour and preferences.
“He also brings a real can-do ethic and energy, combined with strong leadership and interpersonal skills. It is evident to our Board that he has been able quickly set a direction for the organisation and mobilise his team around it.
“With the myriad of challenges facing the industry at this time, we have refreshed our Board with directors who bring deep industry connections and strong commercial acumen in order to support our CEO and his team to sustainably grow our Māori fishing business domestically and globally,” Mr Insley says.
BayPackers
