Richard Gordon

Director, Chief Executive

Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand

About

I have dedicated my career to creating organisational cultures in which people can give of their best and be respected. In 2022, I stepped down from my 11-year role as CEO of Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, which is New Zealand's national research institute for the land and biodiversity. That role was a huge privilege, both for leading the organisation in its purpose and for making a difference in the sustainability of te taiao (people's relationship with the natural world). I undertake interim or fractional CEO, and director or advisory roles. In my fractional CEO roles I aim, as needed, to re-assure Boards, restore staff trust and restrategise the company. I was a director of Toitū Envirocare Ltd (an innovator in enabling organisations to be recognised for carbon management). I am a Director of the NZ Ag-Emissions Centre. I was interim CEO at the AgEmissions Centre, at Lincoln Agritech and at Toitū Envirocare. I was a member of the Sustainability Advisory Panel for the Pāmu (Landcorp) Board. I Chair a charitable trust board for a national organisation. My philosophy is reflected by the values and value created by Manaaki Whenua which is available in: Te Āpōpōtanga – Our land, our people, our future (see publications). Prior to coming to Aotearoa New Zealand in 1995 I worked with Syngenta in the UK and Japan, improving environmental performance in the agchem sector.

Experience

  • New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre (Hybrid)
    • Governance Group member (deputy Chair)
      Nov 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 8 mos

      NZAGRC is the biggest investor in research towards farmers having tools to manage agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. Their work is in New Zealand and across the world. They invest NZ government funds, and collaborate with industry, governments and research organisations worldwide.

    • Interim Executive Director
      Jul 2023 - Nov 2023 · 5 mos

      The NZ Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre is a key part of the newly-established Centre for Climate Action on Agricultural Emissions. With new research funding and a new strategy it also has a new structure and is appointing a Board and Executive Director.

  • Advisor at Toitū Envirocare
    Apr 2025 - Dec 2025 · 9 mos

  • Member of the Sustainability Advisory Panel at Pāmu™
    Nov 2022 - May 2025 · 2 yrs 7 mos

  • Interim Chief Executive Officer at Toitū Envirocare
    Nov 2024 - Feb 2025 · 4 mos

    We’re here to help you tell your sustainability story. We give businesses the science-based tools, actions and evidence needed to make measurable progress– and be recognised for it. We help businesses realise efficiencies, reduce their carbon footprint, and be more sustainable.

  • Interim Chief Executive Officer at Lincoln Agritech Limited
    Jan 2024 - Oct 2024 · 10 mos

    Between January and October 2024 I was the Interim CEO of Lincoln Agritech Ltd. The great team at LAL achieve valuable outcomes mostly with the agri-industry through their research and development of technical solutions. LAL has a long history in New Zealand and overseas marked by successes in irrigation systems design, environmental and process sensing, new materials from natural products, biotech and water science. I followed Peter Barraclough as CEO and acknowledge his great legacy. I am succeeded by Prof Travis Glare as the permanent Chief Executive ands wish him and all the people of Lincoln Agritech all the best for a prosperous future.