Today Dr Andrew West, Chief Executive of AgResearch Ltd, announced his intention to resign his position effective 30 June after six years in the role. AgResearch is the New Zealand Government's principal research institute focused on this country's dairy, red-meat and wool industries. AgResearch Chairman, Sam Robinson, has advised that the Board is not yet in a position to decide on the recruitment process for a new Chief Executive and will announce this in due course. Dr West has agreed to continue to lead AgResearch until mid 2010 to support the Board with the transition to a new Chief Executive.

"It has been fantastic to lead such an excellent and motivated group of staff for so long. It has been deeply fulfilling to bring an outstandingly competent institute closer to the industries that it was set up to serve. Likewise, I feel privileged to have worked with many others to assist in rebuilding recognition of the vital importance of New Zealand's pastoral sector and more broadly the critical roles of science and technology," said Dr West.

"While it has been great to contribute in such ways, I believe that it has now got to the stage that AgResearch should continue to revitalise itself under new leadership. For me personally, I certainly intend to pursue opportunities in the science and technology space; these are areas where I believe that New Zealand is gaining real momentum".

AgResearch Chairman, Sam Robinson, commended Dr West on his leadership of AgResearch. "Dr West focused AgResearch where New Zealand most needs it - on the pastoral sector and its associated food and textile products. The Board of Directors recognises his important contribution to the ongoing success of this company and wishes him well for his future beyond AgResearch".

ENDS