AsureQuality Management Team v2

Management Team

We are deeply connected to our partners and dedicated to helping Aotearoa shape a better food world. Our management team leads through strong and inspirational leadership. They have a strategic commitment to invest in world-class facilities, technology and people, to ensure that we remain leaders in our field, helping our partners take their products to the world.

Kim Ballinger

Kim Ballinger

Chief Executive Officer

I joined AsureQuality in December 2020. Most recently, I was a Director at Waiū Dairy Company and involved with two small start-up companies, after leaving Tip Top Ice Cream where I had been the Chief Executive Officer. I’ve spent the previous 20 years with Fonterra, holding executive and senior management roles in New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, China, and the USA. I have a Post Graduate Diploma in Dairy Science and Technology and a Bachelor of Technology, from Massey University. I am passionate about people and proud to be leading a business which supports New Zealand’s food and primary producers, to uphold the reputation of Aotearoa for best in class quality food.

Jeremy Hood v2

Jeremy Hood

Chief Operating Officer

I joined AsureQuality in October 2015. My previous roles have included seven years as Chief Financial Officer of DairyNZ, Finance Manager at Dexcel, various finance and accounting roles at Fonterra and L'Oréal in the United Kingdom, along with experience in the manufacturing sector. Coming from a farming background, I am passionate about New Zealand’s primary and food industries. I am an Associate Chartered Accountant of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and a Member of the Institute of Directors.

Georgina Daly

Georgina Daly

General Manager - People and Culture

I joined AsureQuality in September 2021. I have previously held People and Culture leadership roles in a number of companies JUCY Group (Chief People Officer), Fonterra (GM Talent), Sitel (National HR Manager) and HBSC (Head of HR), with a focus on leading significant organisational cultural change, building admirable leaders and putting employee experience at the heart of everything I do. Growing up in rural and small-town New Zealand, I am passionate about the significance and contribution of our primary industry and the leadership opportunity I have to unlock our people's aspirations and potential to deliver on our AsureQuality vision. I hold a Bachelor of Business Studies.

Sandra Fischer

Sandra Fischer

Group Manager - Customer Solutions

I joined AsureQuality in 2015 after roles in sales and Global Account Management with Fonterra in China and Southeast Asia. Prior to this, I worked across a variety of areas including sales and operational planning, supply chain, commercial and technical development. I am committed to working with Aotearoa’s food producers through our broad range of services to support their initiatives for growth in domestic and global markets. I hold a BTech in Food technology and Diploma in Dairy Science and Technology.

Elke van der Meijden 2

Elke van der Meijden

Group Manager – Innovation and Insights

I joined AsureQuality in January 2022 after holding various senior leadership roles encompassing customer strategy and experience, operations, marketing, innovation, and technology. My most recent role was as Head of Analytics and Innovation at Mercury, after spending five years with AMP NZ, and over seven years with Vodafone in Europe and New Zealand. I hold a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business from the Henley School of Business (UK). I am future-focused and committed to supporting Aotearoa’s farmers, producers, and exporters through innovative services to help them maximise their opportunities in an increasingly values-based global market.

Michael Hodgson

Michael Hodgson

Group Service Manager - Food Testing

I joined AsureQuality in 2014 as the Laboratory Manager Chemistry for our Auckland Laboratory. In 2017 I moved into the position of Business Manager at the Auckland Laboratory and Group Services Manager Food Testing in 2021. I hold a Ph.D. in Chemistry. After graduating I undertook Postdoctoral Fellow positions in both the US and NZ before working in a number of laboratory management roles, firstly at Watercare Laboratory Services and then Eurofins (NZ). In total I have worked in commercial laboratories in New Zealand for 16 years and am proud to be supporting customers through delivery of innovative food testing services.

Rupert Mitchell

Rupert Mitchell

Group Service Manager – Meat Services

I joined AsureQuality in October 2023, having previously held operations and production leadership roles across the primary industry, most recently for Alliance and Van Den Brink Poultry Group. Prior to that I worked in the United Kingdom where I was involved in significant technology implementation projects and M&A projects for several primary producers. I am a passionate people leader who drives a highly engaged, safety focused team to deliver our AsureQuality vision, values and strategies. I am proud to deliver high quality integrated services to our customers and to be part of a business which supports Aotearoa’s food and primary producers.

Kylie Heaton

Kylea Heaton

Group Service Manager - Field

I joined AsureQuality in 2013 as an Audit Manager. I have many years’ experience working in technical, product development and management roles across Aotearoa’s food industry, including roles with Fonterra and Canary Enterprises. I enjoy being part of a business that supports New Zealand producers and am committed to ensuring a high level of service. I hold a Bachelor of Chemical Technology.

Mike Fenton

Mike Fenton

Group Service Manager - Specialty Services

I joined AsureQuality in June 2019 as the Business Manager Biosecurity. Prior to this, I’ve worked in management roles across a wide range of industries including KiwiRail, New Zealand Post, Ministry for Primary Industries and as Chief Operating Officer at Transdev Wellington, I am passionate about people and leadership and love working in a company that contributes so much to Aotearoa. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Zoology from Massey University.