The Waikato Innovation Park Board of Directors announced today that its CEO, Derek Fairweather, has stepped down to take on the CEO role of Dairy SolutioNZ.

Stuart Gordon has been appointed to the role of interim Waikato Innovation Park CEO.

For the past four years, Mr Gordon has worked for Waikato Innovation Park subsidiary, Dairy SolutioNZ, in the role of Global Development Director.

Dairy SolutioNZ was established four years ago as a subsidiary of the Waikato Innovation Park. The business is focused on taking the world’s best farming practices - many of them from New Zealand - to regions experiencing food crises.

In his role as Global Development Director, Stuart worked with large land owners and Governments globally to introduce them to New Zealand's low cost, high quality dairy and beef farming solutions.

Prior to joining Dairy SolutioNZ, Mr Gordon was CEO of Livestock Improvement Corporation from 1998-2006. He led Livestock Improvement Corporation for eight years during a period of strategic change, increased profitability and innovation.

Mr Gordon is a qualified Chartered Accountant with advanced experience in marketing, strategy and farm advisory.

He has previously worked for the Fonterra as Financial Controller.

Currently, he is the owner and operator of a 430-cow dairy farm outside Hamilton.