New Zealand farmer-and-grower-owned co-operative Ballance Agri-Nutrients has announced the appointment of Joanne Mahon as its new general manager of external relations.
She joins Ballance after a seven-year tenure as chief communications and brand officer at Southern Cross. Prior to this, she was director of corporate affairs and communications at Frucor Beverages, and director of NZMP brand and communications at Fonterra.
The company says in a statement that the new role sits on its executive team and oversees external relations strategy, internal and external communications and the Environmental, Social, Governance narrative for the business.
Joanne Mahon.
Mahon joins Ballance following the appointment of new CEO, Kelvin Wickham in September 2023.
Wickham says the ongoing contribution of the primary sector is critical to New Zealand’s future success, “and as a business touching almost all aspects of the sector through the provision of fertiliser and nutrients, we are focused on making sure we remain relevant and valued as a co-op into the future.”
He says as the company continues to innovate, evolve with the changing needs and practices of its farmers and growers, “it’s essential that we have someone driving our focus on our community, our customers and wider stakeholder groups, so we take them on the journey with us.”
Mahon is also a board member for the National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Yes Disability Resource Centre, and a trustee and board member with New Zealand Business and Parliament Trust.
