It All Comes Back to the People

After training in Germany and Denmark, Dieter started his career as a research scientist and academic in the area of plant biotechnology. He went ’commercial’ in 1994, joining the NZ operations of US-Forestry Company Rayonier, Inc as their geneticist/R&D manager. This role also included responsibility for establishing and running what became for a wile NZ’s largest seed production facility for radiate pine.

In 2000 Dieter joined Hamilton-based Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) as their R&D Manager and subsequently Group General Manager Innovation. During his time at LIC Dieter helped to set up Boviquest, LIC’s bovine genomics joint venture with Fonterra, was instrumental in LIC gaining Bronze and Silver Business Excel­lence Awards in 2002 and 2005, respectively and led business development activities in China, Malaysia and the Americas.

In 2006 Dieter set up his own consultancy company, working with a number of larger companies and organisations in the primary and food & beverage sectors to develop their strategic plans and increase returns on their investment in innovation.

Dieter joined New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) as their Operations Director Food & Beverage / Biotechnology in October 2009.