Guest speakers from international business

As part of our paper on International Business, we have had a number of really great speakers address the Otago MBA class this week and next. While they all have been really interesting, my particular favourite was Graham Stuart, CEO of Sealord, New Zealand's (and one of the world's) largest fishing companies. While I cannot share all the details of the presentation, his presentation touched on the growth in China, the impact on Sealord, the horizons of leadership and the innovation occurring in the New Zealand. For company details see www.sealord.com

Other speakers were:

• Glenn Tyrrell, Business Development Manager of Silver Fern Farms, New Zealand's Lamb and Venison co-operative, who spoke on the changing world ie growth of China and the impact of the meat industry, particular Lamb. See www.silverfernfarms.com/
• Alex Duncan, General Manager Group Strategy and Corporate Finance, Fonterra, New Zealand's Dairy Co-operative that accounts for roughly 25% of all New Zealand's exports. Alex spoke about the challenge's the dairy industry faces but in particular growth of consumption from China. New Zealand seems to be China's farm! See: www.fonterra.com
• Anne Walsh, a very senior FMCG global marketer with senior management experience with Heineken and Unilever who gave us great insights in to how global FMCG companies operate in markets around the world.

On Monday we will have Graham Budd, CEO, Destination Queenstown speaking - will provide details as they come to hand!