Low-carbon dairy company, Miraka, has announced a leadership transition following the departure of chief executive Karl Gradon.
Karl Gradon
Richard Harding
The announcement of Gradon’s departure was made by Miraka chairman Bruce Scott last month.
“After careful consideration, Karl Gradon has decided for personal and family reasons to step down from the role of chief executive officer,” he said, crediting Gradon’s leadership for having steered Miraka’s growth over the past three years and setting it up for future success.
“He has successfully navigated the company through a significant period of change, leading the reorganisation of the business to set Miraka up for long-term, intergenerational success. There are many successes and wins we attribute to Karl’s leadership. This includes building a strong senior leadership team, evolving from single products to optimising customer focus and our portfolio of value-added products.”
Scott said Gradon had rapidly diversified the business model, customer offerings and base over a short period of time.
“He has protected and grown the supply of milk as well as significantly improved supplier engagement … we are grateful for his commitment and leadership in navigating Miraka through strong headwinds in globally and fiscally challenging times.
“Living away from his whānau for the past three years has been a significant challenge, and with the successful repositioning of the business for the future, Karl is able to prioritise himself and his family having created an enduring legacy.”
Describing the leadership of Miraka as ‘rewarding both professionally and personally’, Gradon said he was proud of what had been accomplished ‘together as a whānau and business’, and said he was confident of the company’s continued success.
Miraka’s board of directors has begun the search for a new chief executive. In the interim, the company’s chief operating officer Richard Harding has been appointed acting chief executive to ensure a smooth transition.
Last October, Waikato Business News covered the story of Miraka’s launch of New Zealand’s first green hydrogen milk collection tanker.
See: Going green to keep carbon down
The company, based outside Taupo, produces high-quality dairy products for global export. It is widely regarded as one of the world’s most sustainable dairy companies, achieving B Corp certification in early 2024.
Miraka was established in 2010 by a group of Māori trusts and incorporations and is centred on kaitiakitanga, a Māori world view encompassing the care of the land, people and the environment.
