Villa Maria parent company, Indevin Group, has appointed Simon Limmer as CEO. Limmer, currently Silver Fern Farms CEO, will replace Indevin founder and CEO Duncan McFarlane who is retiring.
Indevin is New Zealand’s largest wine producer and exporter, including the iconic Villa Maria brand. McFarlane founded the company in 2003 as a contract wine maker. McFarlane will remain on the board, consult on strategic projects and work in the industry in an advisory capacity.
Limmer has been at sustainable grass-fed red meat company, Silver Fern Farms, for 5.5 years. Prior to that was head of the world’s largest kiwi fruit enterprise, Zespri’s, global operations for 10 years.
Indevin Group chair Greg Tomlinson said, “Limmer has a clear affinity with New Zealand primary industries and delivering premium New Zealand brands internationally, both of which are critical to the next chapter of Villa Maria and Indevin Group’s growth strategy.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Simon Limmer as our new CEO. Simon is a highly regarded leader with extensive experience in exporting quality New Zealand products to the world. Simon brings a deep understanding of representing New Zealand brands globally, the importance of grower and partner relationships and is the ideal person to lead Indevin Group into the future.”
Limmer said he was excited to be joining the Indevin team.
“I am looking forward to playing a part in the next chapter of what is already a great New Zealand success story. I believe that the business will continue to exceed consumer expectations when it comes to offering the best of New Zealand through iconic brands such as Villa Maria.
“By combining Indevin’s proven ability to grow and produce premium wines with globally recognised brands, there is a very strong model, poised for further growth,” Limmer said.
Indevin Group has two core business models; a consumer brand portfolio, which includes the Villa Maria trademark, and global wine supply and partnerships, which directly services the world’s largest retailers and distributors. Its grapes are grown in three of New Zealand’s main wine regions – Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay, and Gisborne.
