New pastures on the horizon

The announcement comes as former CEO Todd Grave departs the Southland meat processor, taking up a new role as CEO of Meadow Mushrooms in Christchurch.

Board chairman Scott O’Donnell said he was looking forward to welcoming Goodall to the team and was confident his extensive red meat industry experience would continue to strengthen the company’s forward trajectory.

“Jim’s skill set and experience are a great fit for Blue Sky – we’re looking forward to Jim leading the business into its next chapter, where the focus will turn to capture more value for the company and suppliers,” he said.

Goodall brings with him a long career in the meat industry. He began his career at Weddel Tomoana in the Hawke’s Bay in 1988 and has spent time working in New Zealand, Australia, the UK and the USA, bringing with him a diverse portfolio of knowledge and business development.

His governance and leadership experience is extensive. Currently, Goodall is a director of Lean Meats Ltd and Atkins Ranch Holdings Ltd, and CEO of Atkins Ranch – a US retail-focused lamb marketer. He is also CEO of Progressive Meats, a specialist toll processor of lamb, mutton, goat and beef in Hawke’s Bay.

Goodall said value extraction from quality products linked to point of different supply programmes which provide premium returns to farmers were among some of the building blocks he hoped to bring to his new role.

“I’m looking forward to joining the Blue Sky Pastures team, discovering its point of difference and getting alongside all stakeholders, particularly our farmer suppliers,” he said.

Departing CEO Todd Grave was pleased to see Blue Sky’s leadership in good hands and wished Goodall well.

“Working with Blue Sky has been an immense privilege and I am sure the team will welcome Jim wholeheartedly.”

Grave leaves behind a growing legacy, taking Blue Sky from loss-making years to stabilising the profit performance of the business through the establishment of a Strategic Plan during his four and half years with the processor.

“There are still plenty of exciting opportunities in the business and in the markets, and Jim is absolutely the right person to take Blue Sky into the future.”

O’Donnell thanked Grave for his years of hard work and diligence, turning the company around and bringing a new lease of life to the company.

“On behalf of the board I wish to thank Todd for his incredible work during his time with Blue Sky,” O’Donnell said.

“Working alongside him has been extremely enjoyable; he has led a great turnaround for the business during his tenure. We wish him all the best in his new role.”

Interim CEO Reece Oliver will bridge the transition between CEOs, with Goodall’s appointment beginning in early July. Oliver is on secondment from HW Richardson Group.