Global food executive appointed new CEO of Miraka
- Mar 10, 2022
- 1 min read

MEDIA STATEMENT
10 March 2022
Māori owned dairy company, Miraka, has appointed global food industry executive, Karl Gradon, as its new CEO.
Chairman, Kingi Smiler has welcomed Mr Gradon’s appointment which followed an extensive search.
“We’re delighted to appoint Karl as our new CEO. He has solid credentials and international experience in business development and strategy across the dairy, agricultural and primary industry sectors.
Karl spent nearly 20 years in the dairy industry with Fonterra and Kerry Ingredients holding Senior Management positions in Asia, Europe, Latin America and the USA.
Since returning home, he has taken up a range of governance roles and directorships in economic development and business. Karl was also CEO of New Zealand Mānuka Group helping that business grow its Mānuka honey and oil production.”
Mr Smiler also said Karl was the right fit for the business which was underpinned by core values.
“Kaitiakitanga is one of Miraka’s core values. Karl’s approach to environmentally sustainable business and taking a long term, generational view, aligns with how we think and run our business.”
Mr Gradon said he was excited to be joining the flagship Māori dairy company.
“Miraka has been one of New Zealand’s business success stories. From small beginnings the company now processes around 300 million litres of milk into various products and exports to 24 countries.
I’m very much looking forward to being part of the Miraka whānau, moving from Ōhope to Taupō and becoming part of the local community.”
Mr Gradon takes up his position as CEO on 4 April 2022.
ENDS.
Media enquiries:
Te Mahau Kingi – Miraka Communications Manager
Mobile: 021 236 9115 Email: temahau.kingi@miraka.co.nz


Miraka’s appointment of Karl Gradon as CEO feels like a strong step for growth, sustainability, and global market confidence. His dairy and food industry experience can support better strategy across production, exports, supply chain planning, and product Synology Storages. Leadership that understands both values and operations can help Miraka continue building trust in New Zealand dairy for steady future responsible progress.
As a student, I feel that appointing a global food executive as the new CEO of Miraka is a positive step , that could bring some fresh ideas and maybe stronger leadership. Kinda like how a business book ghostwriter helps translate expertise in a clear way, seasoned leaders can nudge organizations towards innovation, expansion, and long term success.
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Exciting news for Miraka with the appointment of Karl Gradon as CEO! His extensive experience in the dairy industry should bring valuable insights as the company continues to grow. Check out this paint hide and seek game for some fun while you celebrate!
This is fantastic news for Miraka! Karl Gradon's extensive global experience and alignment with their Kaitiakitanga values seem like a perfect fit to continue their success story. Truly insightful to see such a strong leader appointed. For more great content like this, I recommend checking out AI Text Cleaner.