Blue Sky Pastures appoints CEO

10th March 2021 By Paul Yandall | paul@foodticker.co.nz | @foodtickernz

Meat processor Blue Sky Pastures has appointed Jim Goodall its new chief executive.

Goodall is currently chief executive of Atkins Ranch, a US retail-focused lamb marketer, and chief executive of Progressive Meats, a specialist processor of lamb, mutton, goat and beef in the Hawke’s Bay.

He is also a director of Lean Meats and Atkins Ranch Holdings.

Goodall will take over from BSP chief executive Todd Grave, who is taking up a new role as chief executive of Meadow Mushrooms in Christchurch.

BSP chairman Scott O’Donnell said he was confident Goodall’s extensive red meat industry experience would strengthen the Invercargill company’s forward trajectory.

“Jim’s skillset 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 capturing more value for the company and suppliers,” he said.

Goodall began his career at the Weddel Tomoana freezing works in the Hawke’s Bay in 1988 and has spent time working in New Zealand, Australia, the UK and the US.

Goodall said value extraction from quality produce linked to ‘point of difference’ supply provided premium returns to farmers and were among the priorities he would 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 chief executive Todd Grave said it had been a “privilege” to lead BSP.

“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,” he said.

In his four-and-a-half years at the helm, Grave took the company from making losses to stabilising its profit performance through the establishment of a strategic plan for the business.

O’Donnell thanked Grave for turning the company around.

“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 chief executive Reece Oliver will take the reins until Goodall starts in early July. Oliver is on secondment from HW Richardson Group.