Bio

David Tanner is a Managing Director of Start Afresh Ltd. Start Afresh is an Horticultural Innovation partnership formed in September 2014 by David Tanner and Sally Gardiner. Start Afresh offer a portfolio of services, from managed orchard investments, to science-led research, and to applied horticulture training and education Prior to this, David had 8 years leadership experience with leading global horticultural brand company, Zespri International, with the past six years in an executive leadership team position, as General Manager - Science & Innovation. Prior to that, he had five years with a global top-six R&D authority in Australia (CSIRO), where he managed and undertook research for the Australasian Food Industry. David currently Chairs the Spring Sheep Dairy Horizon 3 PGP Programme Steering Group, is Chair of Kiwifruit Vine Health (the Kiwifruit Industry's Biosecurity Agency), is Chair of A lighter touch, and a member of the Purpose Capital Impact Fund Investment Committee. David has a proven track record, driving growth through incremental and breakthrough innovation in the agrifood sector. He is a highly driven, dedicated thought-leader with global leadership and management experience in utilising complex science concepts for genuine business improvement and profitability. He has proven technical leadership and experience in crisis management with a track record of successful delivery. David has a collaborative and consultative leadership style that delivers on time. David’s formal education includes an Undergraduate degree in Horticultural Technology from Massey University and a PhD degree in Food Engineering (also from Massey).