Media Statement - Miraka announces leadership transition

Wednesday, 5 March 2025

 MEDIA STATEMENT

Miraka announces leadership transition

Low-carbon dairy company, Miraka, has announced a leadership transition following the stepping down of CEO, Karl Gradon, who is leaving the Taupō based, Māori-owned dairy company for personal and family reasons.

Bruce Scott, Chair of Miraka, made the announcement today saying, “After careful consideration, CEO, Karl Gradon, has decided for personal and family reasons, to step down from the role of Chief Executive Officer.  This change is effective immediately.”

Mr Scott acknowledged Mr Gradon and attributed much of Miraka’s recent growth and success during the past three years to his leadership and efforts resetting the business for future success.

“Karl Gradon has successfully navigated Miraka through a significant period of change, leading the reorganisation of the business to set Miraka up for long-term, intergenerational success, as was envisioned by our founding leaders and shareholders.”

“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.”

In a short period of time, Karl has rapidly diversified our business model, customer offerings and base and in the milk supply arena, he has protected and grown our milk supply as well as significantly improving our supplier engagement, always guided by our core Miraka values, and Tikanga Miraka – the way we conduct ourselves as people, and as a business.”

“The Miraka whānau is deeply grateful to Karl for his personal commitment and leadership, navigating Miraka through strong headwinds in globally and fiscally challenging times.  Karl did so with mana, vision and dedication.”

“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.  We wish Karl all the very best for the future,” said Bruce Scott.

 The Miraka Board of Directors has begun a search for a new CEO to lead Miraka into its next phase of growth.

In the interim, Chief Operating Officer, Richard Harding, will assume leadership responsibilities as Acting CEO, to ensure a smooth transition. 

Karl Gradon: "Leading Miraka has been a rewarding experience both professionally and personally. I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together as a whānau and business.  I am confident in the company's continued success.”

“Our shareholders bestowed a set of values that I personally admire, and I look forward to seeing this values-based approach continue to flourish through the generations as our founders intended." 

Miraka remains committed to its mission of producing high-quality dairy products for global export, while upholding the values and traditions of its Māori heritage. 

ENDS.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

MIRAKA

Te Mahau Kingi – Communications Manager

Email: comms@miraka.co.nz

Mobile: +64 21 236 9115

www.miraka.co.nz