Lee-Ann Marsh, originally from Canada, moved from the UK to New Zealand nearly fifteen years ago, with a background in global consumer insights. After working briefly as an analyst at BNZ, she was offered a contract for an insights position in Fonterra’s milk supply team.
Although agriculture was entirely new to her then, she loved interacting with the people, from farmers and rural professionals to her colleagues. In a role that was highly varied, she was at the heart of it, helping Fonterra better understand its cooperative shareholder farmers and identify opportunities to support them on their farming business journeys.
Since then, Marsh has held many exciting roles at companies such as Nestle and Beef + Lamb New Zealand and is now privileged to lead a unique organisation like AGMARDT.
AGMARDT encompasses all of agriculture, from forestry to horticulture to pastoral farming, and links to all parts of the value chain. The organisation has two main focuses: investment and grants. The aim is to positively impact the sector through supporting innovation and leadership.
“The last three and half years at AGMARDT have been full of highlights. This organisation has a fantastic legacy, so the focus for AGMARDT since I joined has been about how we take things to the next level,” said Marsh.
“With a small, talented board of trustees and team, we have been exploring new ways to partner and invest for impact across the food and fibre sector, which has been exciting. This includes moving into more direct investment in New Zealand’s food and fibre sector and creating spaces for more collaboration across the sector through The Common Ground initiative, launched towards the end of last year in partnership with KPMG New Zealand.”
Marsh said most people inspire her, as she believes there is something to learn from every person. She considers herself a change agent and is always interested in how others navigate transformation work, including the inevitable challenging situations that come with the territory.
“The people I most admire are courageous, bold leaders who make big moves. By that, I mean they don’t just talk about what we should do in intangibles, but they are in positions where they can galvanise resources and people and do the things that many others are too afraid to step into.”
Recently, Marsh attended the Harvard Agribusiness Seminar in Boston and recommends it to anyone wanting to broaden their horizons and who are interested in learning how to become even more curious.
After several discussions, a fellow attendee dubbed her an optimist and someone who was in ‘love with the romance of things’. Initially, she was unsure of how to take this comment, but a few weeks later, she discovered he was right.
“I’m motivated by the opportunity to shape a more positive future. I have two wonderful children, and I want to make this world a better place for them and future generations. I feel privileged to work for an organisation that aligns with my vision and values,” said Marsh.
“While we are focused on New Zealand’s food and fibre sector, our support for leaders and new ideas goes well beyond those working in New Zealand's agriculture sector. Ultimately, we are here to help regenerate our land and enable people worldwide to live healthy, happy, resilient and thriving lives through the quality products and knowledge we export.
Her advice to others in the industry is to take on new opportunities and live outside your comfort zone.
“The more expansive and diverse everyone’s experiences are, the more opportunities that are imagined and created – it becomes a virtuous cycle for individuals and the broader sector.”
