OUR PEOPLE

Sarah first got into the fresh produce industry in the mid 1990’s due to her ability to speak Japanese. Since that time, she has held several senior roles and directorships for key produce organisations, managing international businesses involved in sales and marketing, import/export and growing.

Currently based in Hawke’s Bay, NZ, Sarah has developed an in-depth understanding of the international fresh produce industry over the past 20+ years, particularly across Asia.

Sarah is excited to be leading MG Group Exports and to have the opportunity to use her international trading experience to develop the business together with the rest of the team.

Andrew joined in 2019 having held senior roles in Sales and Operations in some of New Zealand’s leading produce companies. Andrew brings an enormous depth of experience to the team. Andrew takes great pride in the excellent relationships with customers and growers he has built up over his career. Andrew will always go the extra mile to ensure a sale is successful for all concerned.

Tom joined MG Group Exports in 2025, bringing more than 25 years of international trade experience, including 12 years in the global produce sector. During his career, he has developed extensive experience working across international markets, supply chains and a wide range of agricultural products.

At MG Group Exports, Tom focuses on a diverse range of categories, including cherries, blueberries, capsicums and citrus.

James is the Chief Financial Officer at MG Group Exports and a Chartered Accountant with more than 20 years of finance experience across New Zealand and Australia. Before joining MG Group Exports, he spent five years in the apple export industry, developing a strong understanding of the fresh produce sector.

James focuses on supporting MG Group Exports’ short and long-term goals through disciplined financial management and strategic planning. Outside of work, he enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his young family in Hawke’s Bay.

Janine joined MG Group Exports in late 2023 and brings many years of experience across the horticulture industry. Hawke’s Bay born and raised, she holds a Bachelor of Business majoring in Operations and Logistics.

Janine began her horticultural career as a Management Accountant before moving into roles in commercial analysis and production planning. She was also part of the start-up team that helped establish The Apple Press juice plant, giving her broad experience across finance, operations and the post-harvest sector.

Outside of work, Janine enjoys spending time with her two teenage boys, family and friends, exercising, working on the orchard at home and travelling when she gets the opportunity.

Lily is a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Accountancy and she started her professional journey with MG Group Exports in 2022 as an Assistant Financial Accountant.

Eager to apply her academic knowledge to real-world scenarios, she has been actively involved in a diverse array of financial responsibilities, including debtor and creditor managements, account reconciliation and sales reporting.

Brendan brings extensive experience in finance, having worked across New Zealand and international markets in a diverse range of industries, including banking, telecommunications, construction, healthcare and horticulture.

His broad industry experience provides a strong foundation in financial management, commercial insight and business operations, complemented by a practical and adaptable approach.

Originally from Gisborne, Brendan has spent time living and working in London and Wellington before settling in Hawke’s Bay, where he has been based for the past eight years.

Outside of work, Brendan enjoys spending time with his wife and three teenage children. An active sporting family, they share a passion for rugby, netball, squash, cricket, basketball and running.

With over 25 years of experience in finance and accounting, Angela brings extensive expertise in financial management, supported by a strong background in senior leadership roles.

Known for her practical, organised and collaborative approach, she is committed to supporting business performance, fostering positive team environments and delivering effective financial outcomes.

Outside of work, Angela enjoys spending quality time with her family, staying active and contributing to her local community.

Tonya Joined in 2022 having come from one of New Zealand’s oldest International Freight Service Companies.

She has been working in the Export Industry now for 7 years. Her career started in an Import and Export role and after 2 years she chose to specialise in Export, then adding Logistics to her portfolio. On a daily basis, Tonya works closely with International Shipping Lines, NZ Customs and MPI ensuring that MG Group Exports complies with Export requirements.

Tonya enjoys the fast-paced environment we work in, as every day presents a new challenge.

Rachael joined MG Group Exports in 2026, bringing more than 30 years of experience across the wine and apple industries. She spent 20 years in the wine sector as a Quality Assurance Manager before moving into the apple industry, where she has built a further decade of experience.

Rachael has held a range of roles across quality, systems development, people and projects, with particular strengths in process improvement, quality and compliance, and project management.

She enjoys both the technical and practical sides of the industry and is equally comfortable in the orchard or packhouse as she is working on systems and improvement initiatives. Outside of work, Rachael enjoys spending time outdoors.

Lexi joined MG Group Exports as a Sales and Marketing Graduate, bringing a strong agricultural background and a passion for the primary industries. Raised on a sheep and beef farm in Central Hawke’s Bay, she recently completed a Bachelor of Agribusiness and Food Marketing at Lincoln University.

Her studies and practical background have given her a strong foundation in sales, marketing and agribusiness, which she is now building on as part of the MG Group Exports team.

Paul is Kiwi born but started his career in the fresh produce industry in Melbourne in the late 1990’s and has been there ever since.

Paul has a strong customer and supplier focus with over 20 years’ experience in export trading, which includes key export markets such as Japan and China and categories such as table grapes, citrus and stonefruit.

Very active outside of the produce industry with a young family and a strong interest in endurance triathlon.

Kim’s journey began in New Zealand, where he spent 8 years managing import programmes for New Zealand’s largest grower cooperative. Now based in Australia, Kim’s spent the last 5 years focusing on exporting premium produce to global markets.

With over 13 years of experience in the fresh produce industry Kim has honed his expertise and has deep industry knowledge throughout all aspects of the fresh produce supply chain

It is Kim’s continued goal to maintain a sustainable connection that benefits both Australian farmers and our international clientele

Maja has been a part of the fresh produce industry for over 12 years, developing a real passion for the product and working alongside its people. She is always striving to deliver the best eating experience for the end consumer.

Maja’s time working across multiple aspects of the produce industry, including importing, procurement and exports have given her a broad understanding of producer, retail and consumer needs. This allows her to approach each situation with a solution-focused mindset.

Moving to Melbourne (Australia’s foodie capital) in late 2017 from New Zealand has meant that Maja has been able to develop her passion for fresh produce even further and she is looking forward to sharing that with MG Group Exports global partners.

Ming began his career as a logistic coordinator 8 years ago at an exporting company, that focused on exporting Australian goods globally. Two years ago, he joined MG Group Exports and is very pleased to be part of the team, contributing his passion to the company. Additionally, Ming enjoys exploring a variety of delicious fruits.

With nearly 25 years of experience in the fresh produce industry, Kazumi brings extensive expertise in international trade, category development and regional business leadership.

Throughout her career, she has built strong relationships with growers, supply partners and customers, aligning commercial strategies with operational capabilities to drive sustainable growth.

With a collaborative and hands-on leadership approach, Kazumi is passionate about developing talent, building high-performing teams and fostering strong partnerships across diverse markets and cultures. Her focus remains on driving business performance, strengthening organisational capabilities and creating long-term value.

With 20 years of experience in the fresh produce industry, Nick brings extensive expertise in export sales, category management, and commercial development.

Beginning his career in Nelson, New Zealand, he relocating to Los Angeles in 2015 to pursue opportunities in international trade and establishing strong, long-term partnerships with growers and customers across North America.

His commercial leadership and relationship-driven approach have been instrumental in driving significant category growth, expanding market opportunities, and strengthening supply partnerships across major and independent growers.

Passionate about the fresh produce industry, Nick combines strong commercial acumen with a practical, hands-on approach, consistently focused on driving performance, strengthening partnerships and delivering sustainable growth.

With over 15 years of experience in the fresh produce industry, Carlos brings extensive expertise in commercial development, supply chain management, and operational leadership.

Beginning his career in Peru, he successfully scaled key produce programs, before expanding into new categories and strategic markets across Asia. In 2018, he relocated to California, where he played a key role in driving category growth, strengthening grower partnerships and building resilient supply networks across North America.

With a career spanning export management, supplier relations and logistics, Carlos combines strong commercial acumen with operational expertise. As Head of Operations, he focuses on driving operational excellence, optimising business processes, and building scalable foundations for sustainable growth.

Tatsuya is based in Tokyo, Japan and has been working in the fresh produce industry for more than 18 years.

TK likes to think of himself as half Kiwi, after developing an affinity for NZ when he lived there for four years.

His career started out at a retail company, before working for a fresh produce imports company for 5 years. For the past 11 years he has worked as Country Manager for export companies shipping their products to Japan.

As MG Group Export’s representative in Japan Tatsuya is able to provide insights and market intel for MG Group Export’s staff and growers in this key market as well as supporting our valued customers.

Based in Kyoto, Toshi brings over 20 years of experience in Japan’s fresh produce import industry, with extensive market knowledge and strong industry relationships, particularly across Western and Southern Japan.

Since beginning his career in 2003, he has developed a deep understanding of the Japanese market and its supply networks. Working alongside Tatsuya, Toshi will focus on strengthening existing partnerships, developing new commercial opportunities, and supporting continued growth across Japan.

Having studied in Spain, Toshi also brings strong Spanish language skills, providing a valuable advantage in building relationships and supporting business development with South American partners.

Trang is based in Ho Chi Minh City as MG Group Export’s In-Market Country Manager – Vietnam. Trang has worked previously as the Vietnam based sales manager for two other multinational fresh produce companies. During her career she has built up good relationships with key retailers and importers in Vietnam and she plays an important role in helping MG Group Exports expand sales and opening up new channels in the South East Asia region.

Trang has completed a Law degree in Vietnam and has also studied business management in New Zealand.