Seafood New Zealand announced last week that Jeremy Helson will take over as the company’s new chief executive.
In a press statement, Seafood New Zealand Executive Chairman Craig Ellison said Helson, who currently serves as the chief executive of Fisheries Inshore New Zealand, was a “natural choice for the position.”
“Jeremy has years of experience in the seafood sector in both a government and private sector capacity. His ten years in fisheries with the Ministry for Primary Industries and his six years overseeing New Zealand’s inshore fisheries are invaluable,” Ellison said. “The fisheries sector is going through much change and having such a depth of experience will be essential. We are delighted to welcome Jeremy to the role.”
Helson served on Seafood New Zealand’s board directors before he was appointed CEO. According to his Linkedin profile, Helson has years of experience working in the fishing industry. He holds a Ph.D. and bachelor's degree from Victoria University of Wellington.
Helson is replacing outgoing chief executive Tim Pankhurst, who is set to retire on 3 April after serving in the position seven years.
"Tim will not be leaving the industry completely, as he will be taking over the role of editor of the Seafood New Zealand magazine,” Ellison said.
Pankhurst was chief executive of Seafood New Zealand since April 2013 and, before that, served as chief executive of the Newspaper Publishers' Association.
While ushering Helson into his new role, Seafood New Zealand will continue its The Promise roadshow for 2020, in an effort to highlight the industry’s code of conduct. The Promise, which was established in 2017, is a commitment by the industry to go by a code of conduct, to protect the environment and seafood sustainability by practicing transparency and environmental responsibility. The code of conduct pledges to minimize impacts on the marine environment and to promote investments in science and innovation to enhance fisheries' resources. It also means a commitment to looking after the people in the industry and treating them fairly.
“We will be accountable for delivering on Our Promise and will support increased transparency,” the code of conduct states.
