Tasman Tanning Company intend to appoint Richie Smith as a Non Executive Director following a director search conducted by SEQEL Partners.

Based in Whanganui, Tasman Tanning is a Kiwi success story. The business was established in 1953 and is one of the world’s only end-to-end leather processors. Tasman Tanning operates in wet processing and finished leather products, which are predominantly used in the footwear, upholstery and aviation sectors, and are trusted by global brands such as R.M. Williams, Air New Zealand, Rockport, Steel Blue, Blundstone, DeWalt, Tessi and many others.

Richie brings with him over 20 years of experience in national and international executive leadership roles, with an extensive background in change management, agriculture and logistics. Richie has had significant experience as a Chief Executive in a range of industry sectors before focusing on governance roles.

He is a deeply experience Board Director, and currently holds chairmanship and directorship roles with companies including New Zealand Post, Hilton Haulage Transport Group, Tapex Group, and a number of private entities. Richie has held previous directorship positions in the dairy, agriculture, telecommunications, technology, and tourism sectors. He was previously Chair of the United Fire Brigades Association and a Ministerial appointment to a District Health Board.