13 Jan 2025 Nick Beeby appointed chief executive of the New Zealand Meat Board

The New Zealand Meat Board (NZMB) has appointed Nick Beeby as chief executive.

Mr Beeby joined NZMB as general manager of quota & information in 2021 and has been acting CEO since July 2024, replacing NZMB chief executive Sam McIvor.

He resigned as general manager for market development at Beef + Lamb New Zealand in December 2024.

Mr Beeby is currently chair of New Zealand Farm Assurance Incorporated (NZFAI), which oversees the New Zealand Farm Assurance Programme.

“We are very pleased to appoint Nick to the role,” says Kate Acland, chair of the NZMB.

“He is highly experienced and respected in the red meat sector and already has significant knowledge about the NZMB and its work in our global markets.” 

Mr Beeby said the board continues to play a vital role in helping the industry navigate uncertain times and volatility.

“Global trading conditions remain challenging, but our sector’s resilience is strengthened by the critical role our quota system plays in securing tariff-free access to key markets like the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States.

“In these challenging times, the Board’s role in supporting preferential access into quota markets, managing contingency reserves and supporting industry innovation through funding critical research is more important than ever.”

The NZMB is responsible for achieving the best possible ongoing returns from sheepmeat and beef exports to international quota markets. It currently oversees $2.6 billion of red meat exports to the quota markets of the European Union, United Kingdom and United States, representing tariff savings of $934 million a year for the sector.

The board also administers significant farmer reserves, currently standing at $79m, held as a contingency fund to help New Zealand re-enter export markets in the event of a biosecurity incursion or disruption in quota markets.

It allocates interest and dividends, after reserve expenses from this fund, in consultation with farmers, for industry good projects such as the Eliminating Facial Eczema Impacts (EFEI) programme.

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