Dr Warren Parker and Dr
Tricia Harris have announced their intention to leave
AgResearch
over the next few months to
explore other options.
Dr Parker, as the first
Chief Operating Officer of AgResearch Science, joined
AgResearch in 1998 to take up the position of General Manager
of the then Dairy and Beef Division, before moving to the role
of Science General Manager. In that role Dr Parker made
substantial contributions to the repositioning of science
capabilities, the integration of MIRINZ, and establishing
DEEResearch, a joint venture with the deer industry.
Dr Harris, based in
AgResearch Grasslands in Palmerston North, was General Manager
of Science & Technology, a position which involved planning of
research and technology capabilities and infrastructure
through the development of the first formal science strategy
for AgResearch.
AgResearch Chief Executive,
Dr Andrew West said that contrary to some speculation, the
future strategic direction of AgResearch has not changed at
all.
“Our commitment to the task
set by the AgResearch Board a few months ago has not changed
and we will continue to build our strengths and reputation in
biological sciences.
“Our 2003-2006 Strategic
Plan has set the Group some very ambitious targets and we will
continue along that path to help raise the productivity of the
New Zealand pastoral sector and to introduce a range of
biotechnologies to the country,” he said.
