SeaDragon strengthens leadership team

NZX & Media Release. Link here.

1 October 2014

SeaDragon strengthens leadership team to transition to Omega 3 production

Permanent marketing, sales and finance appointments reflect SeaDragon growth and strong prospects

New Zealand’s largest refiner and blender of high-quality fish oils SeaDragon today announced it has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of a permanent Chief Financial Officer, a Director of Sales, a Head of Marketing and a Compliance Co-ordinator.

SeaDragon Chief Executive Ross Keeley said: “SeaDragon is growing and we are taking this opportunity to strengthen the bench ahead of commissioning our new fish oil refining facility in Nelson next year. This team equips us to convert into firm orders the strong expressions of interest we have received for our New Zealand sourced Omega-3 rich fish oils.

“At the same time, we expect to shortly ramp up squalene production after securing a more certain raw material supply earlier this year. The enhanced sales and marketing and capabilities that come with the new appointments will ensure we make the most of the significant opportunities we see.

Stephen Bayley has been appointed Chief Financial Officer effective October 20. Stephen has held senior finance roles in both public and private companies, including Loyalty New Zealand, which runs the Flybuys loyalty programme, and the NZX-listed Acurity Health.

Stephen replaces Malcolm Lindeque who has been providing contract CFO services to SeaDragon for the last two years. Malcolm informed SeaDragon he was unable to relocate to Nelson on a permanent basis. He will continue with SeaDragon in order to assist Stephen as he takes over the finance function.

“Malcolm has made a significant contribution to the business over the last few years particularly after the reverse listing of the marine oils business. We are sorry to see him go,” Mr Keeley said.

Jo Singer, formerly Administration Manager will take on new responsibilities as Support Services Manager. Jo will progressively transfer all accounting duties to Stephen and assume responsibility for Human Resources, IT, oversight of the enterprise management software (Ostendo) which impacts on all aspects to the business, assisting in Investor Relations, and the development of Corporate Charters and Company Policies.

Campbell Berry-Kilgour has been formally appointed Director of Sales, effective October 1. Campbell has successfully fulfilled this role as a contractor over the last year. He has more than thirty years’ experience in the international pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmetics industries. His professional career as a pharmacologist has seen him work in areas as diverse as transplant medicine and the therapeutic applications of natural products. Since moving to New Zealand in 2000 Campbell has also held marketing and sales management positions with a number of New Zealand natural health companies.

Alex de Monchy has been appointed Head of Marketing, effective October 13. Alex has extensive experience in sales and marketing in the pharmaceutical sector, having held a number of roles in New Zealand, Australia and Singapore with the pharmaceutical giant Merck Sharp and Dohme (MSD). Alex has also worked for medical products and services company Baxter Health Care, both in New Zealand and Australia.

SeaDragon Production Manager Michael Baird will take on new responsibilities as Operations Manager with oversight of the squalene processing plant at Nayland Road, and the new refined fish oil facility. To assist Mike, SeaDragon is recruiting a Production Manager for the squalene processing facility.

Marilyn Hambrook has been appointed Compliance Coordinator effective October 6. Marilyn comes to SeaDragon, from Sealord where she was Corporate Health and Safety Advisor. Marilyn’s initial responsibility will be to focus on Health and Safety related matters for the squalene processing facility.

“The Board of SeaDragon is committed to the provision of a safe working environment, with this appointment being affirmation of this commitment. It is anticipated that Marilyn’s responsibilities will evolve over time to include the refined fish oil facility and also food safety and compliance matters.”

“These appointments represent a significant step forward for SeaDragon and position us well to take advantage of an increase in squalene production and the new product lines from the new refined fish oil facility. We are looking forward to the year ahead with considerable optimism,” Mr Keely said.

Contact
Ross Keeley
SeaDragon Chief Executive Officer
Telephone: 03 547 0336

About SeaDragon: www.seadragon.co.nz
SeaDragon (NZX.SEA) is New Zealand’s largest refiner and blender of high-quality internationally certified concentrated fish oils and fractions, including Omega-3 oils. Our oils are sourced from fish caught in the clean and pure waters around New Zealand, in the Southern Ocean, and elsewhere. We have more than 20 years’ experience processing fish oils and we are recognised for the quality and purity of our products. We supply health supplement manufacturers around the world to meet the burgeoning demand for pure, high-quality fish oils, which are scientifically proven to deliver significant human health benefits such as lowering the risk of heart disease, improving brain function and joint health. The majority of our supply is exported.