CEO Hort Research NZ, President CRI NZ
Paul
McGilvary
CEO Hort Research NZ, President CRI NZ
Personal Background:
Paul grew up in Wainiuiomata and has a strong background in business studies.
He has a BCA (Hons) in Economics from Victoria University of Wellington and
has completed management studies at Stanford University, USA and INSEAD, France.
He was formerly managing director of Fonterra's food ingredients subsidiary,
New Zealand Milk Products (Europe). He has held senior positions in NZ Milk
Products all over the world. Paul became CEO of HortResearch in August 2002
and is the current president of the Crown Research Institute. Paul slowed down
his work load due to medical reasons and from this has realised the importance
of time out and enjoys playing guitar and riding his motorbike.
Summary of the interview:
Mr McGilvary sees himself as a business man with a passion for science. He is
a strong advocator of the role of the Crown Research Institute for the future
of advancing this countries economy. He believes that we should build on company
and economy strengths and “through clever innovation of food and natural
products we could become world leaders”. Mr McGilvary is supportive of
the aims of APEC for free and open trade and acknowledges that it is imperative
for the future and success of not only his business but for the wealth and success
of the nation. He was extremely passionate about the importance of leadership
and had great knowledge and confidence in his leadership programme which “builds
on assets not weaknesses”. When the discussion turned to the future of
science Mr McGilvary stressed that we are not falling behind in Genetic Engineering
technology. We have the knowledge and the know-how but the company, HortResearch
is waiting for the world to accept this technology and will not put something
on the market that consumers are not ready for. “No ones going to make
a GE fruit if no ones going to buy it”. His advice to young leaders is
to “focus on what you are passionate about” and as a result you
will do well.
Students view of
the interview:
We found him inspiring and he gave an eye opening account of the opportunities
available to us as young entrepreneurs of New Zealand. We liked his laid back
and humble nature, his ability to communicate his points and views well and
he made us feel welcome and comfortable in his presence. He was passionate about
his business and was positive about the future of the horticultural and science
industry. He did stress the success that scientists have had and that there
is a lot of money to be made in this industry and that science degree in New
Zealand should be marketed ‘sexier’ to attract the public eye. “New
Zealand doesn’t need any more lawyers…We need more scientists”.
Quotes:
“If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take
you there”
“We should add value to what we do well”
“We need to create more value out of New Zealand’s natural resources”
Contributed by
Holly Andrewes, John Rutten, Carey Prebble, Ngahuia Harawira, Bridget Nguyen.