Foodstuffs (South Island) Ltd has announced the appointment of Mary Devine as its new Chief Executive Officer following a global executive search undertaken by SEQEL Partners.

Born and bred in the South Island, Mary is well connected within the community and is proud of her southern heritage. She is aligned with the philosophy of the co-operative model, and brings strong leadership skills and retail expertise to Foodstuffs South Island.

Mary has successfully led a number of retail businesses including J Ballantyne, Ezibuy, and more recently was Managing Director of Hallenstein Glasson. She has also held directorships with Meridian Energy, Christchurch City Holdings and insurance giant IAG NZ. Over the past three years Mary has been on the Board of both Foodstuffs South Island and Foodstuffs New Zealand. This depth of understanding will be invaluable in leading the key strategic priorities facing the business.

In 2013 Devine received the Honorary Queens award of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to business.

Mary will commence as CEO designate at Foodstuffs South Island on November 8, 2021 to allow for a timely transition with current incumbent, Steve Anderson.