Plant & Food Research CEO steps down

Plant & Food Research CEO Peter Landon-Lane has announced that he will step down in 2018 after nine years leading the Crown Research Institute.

Chairman Michael Ahie said the Board will now commence a recruitment process to replace Mr Landon-Lane by April 2018.

“The timeframe enables us to have a managed transition while continuing the performance and success that Peter has led during his tenure,” says Mr Ahie.

"This change comes at a good time for Plant & Food Research," Mr Ahie continues. "The company is in excellent shape, with an experienced management team and a strong reputation for delivering high impact research and innovation for customers and partners in New Zealand and abroad.”

Mr Landon-Lane joined the Crown Research Institute in 2008, leading the merger of two CRIs to form Plant & Food Research.

“It’s been a privilege to work with Plant & Food Research employees, and our industry and research partners,” he says. "I’m looking forward to supporting the Board during the succession process and providing leadership continuity through this period. There is a lot we want to achieve in the coming year, we’re performing well, and we don’t want to take our eye off the ball."

Mr Ahie said that under Mr Landon-Lane’s leadership the Institute had grown significantly as a business and delivered many millions of dollars of economic, social and environmental benefits to New Zealand from its research and innovation activities.