Comvita has appointed Karl Gradon as Chief Executive Officer following an executive search conducted by SEQEL Partners. 

Comvita was founded in 1974 with a purpose to heal and protect the world through the natural power of the hive. Today, the NZX listed business employs a team of 550+ globally, supports more than 1.6 billion bees, and is the global market leader in Mānuka honey and bee consumer goods – with operations in Australia, China, North America, South East Asia, Europe and New Zealand.

Karl has a strong background in global leadership within the primary industry, having previously held senior leadership roles offshore with Fonterra and Kerry Ingredients. After his international career, Karl returned to New Zealand where he joined New Zealand Manuka Group as CEO and was responsible for driving their high growth strategy of manuka oil and honey products and launch into North America, including listing into Costco. Most recently Karl was CEO of Miraka, the Taupo based, low carbon, Māori-owned dairy company where he successfully led a significant business transformation.

Karl holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics from Massey University. He commences with Comvita on Friday 1^st August.