Jim Goodall has been appointed the new chief executive of Southland meat processor Blue Sky Pastures.

The announcement comes as former CEO Todd Grave departs the Southland meat processor, taking up a new role as CEO of Meadow Mushrooms in Christchurch.

Board chairman Scott O’Donnell said he was looking forward to welcoming Goodall to the team and was confident his extensive red meat industry experience would continue to strengthen the company’s forward trajectory.

Advertisement: Curry Guru

Advertise on the Southland App

“Jim’s skillset and experience are a great fit for Blue Sky – we’re looking forward to Jim leading the business into its next chapter, where the focus will turn to capturing more value for the company and suppliers,” he said.

Goodall has had a long career in the meat industry, beginning at Weddel Tomoana in the Hawke’s Bay in 1988. He has also spent time working in New Zealand, Australia, the UK and USA, amassing a diverse portfolio of knowledge and business development. 

Currently, Goodall is a director of Lean Meats Ltd and Atkins Ranch Holdings Ltd, and CEO of Atkins Ranch – a US retail-focused lamb marketer. He is also CEO of Progressive Meats, a specialist toll processor of lamb, mutton, goat and beef in the Hawke’s Bay.

Goodall said value extraction from quality produce linked to point of difference supply programmes which provide premium returns to farmers were among some of the building blocks he hoped to bring to his new role.

“I’m looking forward to joining the Blue Sky Pastures team, discovering its point of difference and getting alongside all stakeholders, particularly our farmer suppliers,” he said.

Departing CEO Todd Grave was pleased to see Blue Sky’s leadership in good hands and wished Goodall well.

“Working with Blue Sky has been an immense privilege and I am sure the team will welcome Jim wholeheartedly.”

Advertisement: Devil Burger

Advertise on the Southland App

Grave leaves behind a growing legacy, taking Blue Sky from from loss making years to stabilising the profit performance of the business through the establishment of a Strategic Plan during his four and half years with the processor.

“There are still plenty of exciting opportunities in the business and in the markets, and Jim is absolutely the right person to take Blue Sky into the future.”

O’Donnell thanked Grave for his years of hard work and diligence, turning the company around and bringing a new lease of life to the company.

“On behalf of the board I wish to thank Todd for his incredible work during his time with Blue Sky,” O’Donnell said.

“Working alongside him has been extremely enjoyable; he has led a great turnaround for the business during his tenure. We wish him all the best in his new role.”

Interim CEO Reece Oliver will bridge the transition between CEOs, with Goodall’s appointment beginning in early July. Oliver is on secondment from HW Richardson Group.