Apata Appoints Former ZESPRI Chief to Board

Media Information: for immediate release

Tuesday 5th February 2008

Apata Appoints Former ZESPRI Chief to Board

Dave Goodwin, Chairman of Apata Limited, one of New Zealand's leading kiwifruit and avocado post harvest facilities, today announced that former ZESPRI CEO Tony Marks would be joining their Board.

Mr Goodwin said "I am delighted that someone of Tony's calibre is joining our governance team. Apata has recently strengthened its executive under CEO Todd Muller and has developed some exciting and challenging goals for the next few years.

“Tony's appointment, with his knowledge of the industry, strategic skills and marketing expertise, will be very welcome in helping us execute our plans".

Tony Marks led ZESPRI through record years of profitability from 1998 to 2002, overseeing the corporatisation of ZESPRI Group Limited and the successful global commercialisation of the new ZESPRI™ GOLD Kiwifruit variety.

In 2002, Tony left ZESPRI to launch Pacific Blue Airlines for Richard Branson.

In 2006, Tony retired from corporate life to concentrate on a number of Directorships in the travel, food and timber businesses.

Mr Marks said "I am very excited about getting back into the kiwifruit business.

I enjoyed working with growers and post harvest operators whilst at ZESPRI and remain impressed with their focus on innovation to sustain their profitability, even in difficult times.

“Looking back now on the success of GOLD, and seeing what it has become, is one of the most satisfying achievements of my career. I look forward very much to renewing acquaintances and helping Apata become the pre-eminent post harvest operator.

“I have worked closely with both the Chairman and the CEO in my previous role, which both assists in my ability to contribute and fills me with confidence in Apata's future".

ENDS

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