New CEO for primary industry alliance

New CEO for primary industry alliance

Andy Somerville has been appointed as the new chief executive officer for the Primary Industry Capability Alliance (PICA).

PICA is a collaboration between New Zealand Young Farmers; DairyNZ; Beef and Lamb NZ; PrimaryITO; Taratahi; Ministry for Primary Industries and Lincoln University, set up in 2012 to develop a capability strategy for the wider agricultural industry.

Chair of the Transition Board for PICA, Mark Paine, says Andy, originally from Otago, is a Lincoln University graduate who comes from a rural and commercial banking background.

“He set up the National Bank’s Rural Finance team prior to the purchase of the Rural Bank, then worked in a number of areas within The National Bank, including representing the bank in London,” says Mark.

“Most recently he was general manager for business banking at The National Bank and brings extensive experience in business development and relationship management to this critical role.”

“PICA has come a long way since it was set up two years ago and Andy brings the right combination of skills in strategy, leadership and collaboration needed to lead the next phase of development.”

“Last month’s release of the People Powered report by the Ministry for Primary Industries highlighted the changing skill requirements necessary so the primary sector is equipped to adapt and respond to new opportunities and technologies as we move towards 2025. In future we hope to extend the alliance to include the wider primary industries such as horticulture, seafood, forestry and arable.

“PICA, under Andy’s leadership, will play a critical role in linking organisations, and ensuring their strategies, resources and activities are aligned to achieve the outcomes our primary industries need.”

New PICA CEO Andy Somerville will be based in Wellington, starting on August 18.

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