Ballance Agri-Nutrients has appointed Stuart Kay as Innovation Leader following an executive search conducted by SEQEL Partners.

Ballance Agri-Nutrients is a New Zealand success story that plays a crucial role in underpinning New Zealand’s agricultural economy. Owned by 18,000 New Zealand farmers, the co-operative’s portfolio includes fertiliser and animal feed manufacturing, micronutrients, research, product innovations, on-farm advice, online farm management and agricultural aviation services.

Stuart is currently Technology Development Manager for the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research, a New Zealand Crown Research Institute created to enhance the value and productivity of New Zealand’s horticultural, arable, seafood and food and beverage industries. He commenced with the organisation as Business Manager for the Kiwifruit & Annual Crops division, before progressing into various field and research focused mandates. Stuart previously spent three years with Satara Co-operative, a kiwifruit and avocado supplier and packer, after a seven year tenure with Zespri International. There, he held senior innovation, commercial and market assurance roles.

Stuart holds a PhD in Botany and Plant Biology from the University of Auckland. He commences with Ballance Agri-Nutrients in late August.