Adsett has been acting general manager of the industry body since December 2025.
Danielle Adsett.
Danielle Adsett has been appointed chief executive of industry body New Zealand Apples and Pears (NZAPI).
She replaces previous chief executive Karen Morrish, who left the organisation just before Christmas to take up the role of Hawke's Bay general manager for fruit and vegetable exporter FreshCo.
Adsett has been acting general manager of NZAPI since December 2025 and was previously market access manager for six years.
NZAPI chair Andrew Gibbs said Adsett had provided strong and steady leadership, along with clear direction and continuity for the organisation.
“Danielle’s clear vision for the industry, leadership capability, and deep, long-term dedication to the sector were evident throughout the process and made her the standout candidate.”
The announcement came at a key time for the industry, which achieved more than $1 billion in exports for the first time in 2025, following several challenging seasons marred by weather events and Covid-19, he said.
Adsett said she had hit the ground running. “I am proud and excited to have the opportunity to support the industry, to advocate on their behalf as we seek to double exports and to work alongside a phenomenal team at NZAPI, who are all equally as committed to our members’ success.”
NZAPI has begun recruiting for a new market access manager following Adsett’s promotion.
This is supplied content and not commissioned or paid for by NBR.
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