MG GROUP EXPORTS
Aerial view of a tractor and apple bins among orchard rows

OUR PEOPLE

Our experienced and personable people bring a range of skills to the MG Group Exports business. We’re a passionate team, keen to deliver an excellent level of service to our customers and grower-suppliers.

NEW ZEALAND

Portrait of Sarah McCormack

Sarah McCormack

CEO

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.

Portrait of Andrew Lockyer

Andrew Lockyer

National Sales Manager

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.

Portrait of Janine Thompson

Janine Thompson

Post Harvest Manager

Janine started in January 2024 and comes with many years experience in the horticulture industry. Janine is Hawke’s Bay born and bred and has held a range of roles in the past. Her first role in the horticulture industry was as a Management Accountant, however in recent years she has specialised in the post harvest side of the business with roles as a Commercial Analyst/Production Planner and Supply Chain Manager.

When Janine is not spending time with her two teenage boys or exercising, she can be found in an ambulance on the front line as an Emergency Medical Technician.

Portrait of Lily Jung

Lily Jung

Assistant Accountant

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.

Portrait of Tonya Hartstone

Tonya Hartstone

Export Logistics Coordinator

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.

AUSTRALIA

Portrait of Paul Scheffer

Paul Scheffer

Executive Director

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.

Portrait of Kim Boustridge

Kim Boustridge

Export Manager

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

Portrait of Maja Arlov

Maja Arlov

Export Manager

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.

Portrait of Ming Fang

Ming Fang

Logistics & Documentation Manager

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.

ASIA

Portrait of Tatsuya Kakemoto

Tatsuya Kakemoto

In-market Country Manager

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.

Portrait of Trang Nguyen

Trang Nguyen

In-market Country Manager

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.