Chief Executive Appointment

It is our very great pleasure to announce the appointment of Phil Holden as the Chief Executive of the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand effective from 1 February 2022.

Phil is currently providing Executive support to the New Zealand Shearing Contractors Association as their Executive Officer. He is an experienced professional with Chief Executive leadership experience for over 19 years with organisations including Coffee Connection, The Lion Foundation, New Zealand Rugby League, Greyhound Racing New Zealand, Breadcraft and Harness Racing New Zealand.

A member of the Institute of Directors, Phil’s governance and senior executive roles have been underpinned by his passion for values-based leadership. Phil is Chair of Cycling New Zealand, an Independent Director of Harness Racing New Zealand, and Chair of Greytown Trust Lands Trust. He runs his own consultancy and executive contracting business with a strong interest in strategy, culture and values, and leadership.

Phil’s spare time is centered around family, juggling the needs of his young daughters, and getting out on his bike.

Phil has had, and continues to have, some challenging leadership roles where he is involved in taking an organisation forward in challenging times and circumstances. We are fortunate to have secured such an experienced Chief Executive, who understands the importance of adding value to members and implementing our strategy.

This appointment is part time and for a two-year term.

Please join us in welcoming Phil and the experience he brings as a leader and the connections he has in our sector. There will be opportunities to meet Phil over the coming months.