Board Chair

For more than 40 years, Cookie Time has been delighting generations of New Zealanders. From entrepreneurial beginnings in Christchurch in 1983, the business has grown into one of New Zealand’s most successful privately owned food manufacturers, with an iconic portfolio of brands and an expanding international presence.

Following the planned retirement of current Chair, later in 2026, Cookie Time is seeking an outstanding independent Chair to lead the Board into its next phase of growth.

Working alongside committed shareholders, an experienced Board and a high-performing executive team, the incoming Chair will provide governance leadership while helping shape the company’s long-term strategic direction.

• Proven experience as a Board Chair or highly experienced independent director.
• Strong commercial judgement and strategic capability.
• Experience working with privately owned, founder-led or growth-oriented businesses.
• Experience working within NZ manufacturing and ideally food manufacturing.
• The ability to build trusted relationships while providing constructive challenge and independent leadership.

Experience within FMCG, consumer brands or export-focused organisations would be advantageous but is not essential, as is a commercial, legal background.

This is a rare opportunity to chair the Board of an iconic New Zealand company with proud entrepreneurial roots, recognised brands and exciting opportunities for continued growth.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to support the company’s continued international expansion, guide governance through the next phase of its evolution and help preserve the culture and values that have underpinned Cookie Time’s success for more than four decades.

For a confidential discussion on this opportunity please contact Leanne Crozier, Director, Decipher Group on: M: 021 245 2224 or E: [email protected]

We would appreciate your application by Monday 17th August 2026