Rockit Global names new COO

Snack-sized apple company Rockit Global said Ivan Angland will be its new chief operating officer.

Angland will oversee the global growing and packing, quality, operations, information technology and supply chain functions of Rockit, according to a news release.

Rockit Global CEO Grant McBeath said Angland’s appointment to the newly established role comes at a key time for the business and will ensure it has the optimal structure to support its teams, customers and growers as it gears up for strong export volumes and continued year-round supply from New Zealand over the coming years.

“Ivan is an experienced agronomist with a comprehensive background in horticulture,” McBeath said. “With over 26 years’ industry experience in both growing and postharvest, 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.

“With a strong focus on quality, Ivan is experienced at multi-site packing and international sourcing, which will help us define our global operations strategy,” he added. “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. We look forward to welcoming Ivan to the business.”

Joining Rockit on July 14, Angland has broad experience following 10 years with Turners and Growers in supply, quality and operations management roles, along with 10 years as the agriculture and seasonal factory manager for Heinz Watties, the release said.

“This newly created position will allow Rockit to streamline global operational excellence whilst ensuring great quality outcomes for our customers,” Angland said.

In July, Rockit will also bid farewell to its general manager of operations, Scott Griffin, who has been with the business for 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 have seen the business leading the nation through continued operation during crises, including COVID-19 and Cyclone Gabrielle, while successfully ensuring our team was safe and able to continue to ‘Rockit every day.’

“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 added. “His influence on our team and dedication to the brand have been central to the success of the business, and we wish him all the very best for his next endeavour.”