Low-carbon dairy company Miraka has announced a leadership transition.
After careful consideration, CEO Karl Gradon has decided, for personal and family reasons, to step down from the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Taupō-based, Māori-owned dairy company. This change is effective immediately.
Bruce Scott, Chair of Miraka, attributed much of the Company’s recent growth and success during the past three years to Gradon's leadership and efforts in resetting the business for future success.
“Karl Gradon has successfully navigated Miraka through a significant period of change, leading the reorganisation of the business to set Miraka up for long-term, intergenerational success, as was envisioned by our founding leaders and shareholders," said Scott.
“There are many successes and wins we attribute to Karl’s leadership. This includes building a strong senior leadership team, evolving from single products to optimising customer focus and our portfolio of value-added products.”
In a short period, Gradon rapidly diversified the business model, customer offerings, and base. In the milk supply arena, he has protected and grown milk supply and significantly improved supplier engagement.
“The Miraka family is deeply grateful to Karl for his personal commitment and leadership, navigating Miraka through strong headwinds in globally and fiscally challenging times. Karl did so with mana, vision and dedication," added Scott.
“Living away from his family for the past three years has been a significant challenge, and with the successful repositioning of the business for the future, Karl is able to prioritise himself and his family, having created an enduring legacy. We wish Karl all the very best for the future."
The Miraka Board of Directors has begun searching for a new CEO to lead Miraka into its next growth phase. In the interim, Chief Operating Officer Richard Harding will assume leadership responsibilities as Acting CEO to ensure a smooth transition.
"Leading Miraka has been a rewarding experience both professionally and personally. I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together as a family and business. I am confident in the company's continued success," said Gradon.
“Our shareholders bestowed a set of values that I personally admire, and I look forward to seeing this values-based approach continue to flourish through the generations as our founders intended."
Miraka remains committed to its mission of producing high-quality dairy products for global export while upholding the values and traditions of its Māori heritage.
