PGG Wrightson named John Nichol new chair after board shake-up, citing leadership refresh and shareholder value.

PGG Wrightson appointed John Nichol as its new independent chair following a surprise board shake-up at its annual meeting, with major shareholder Agria citing the need to refresh leadership and boost shareholder value. The move replaced incumbent chair Garry Moore and director Sarah Brown, though reasons for the change were not detailed. Nichol, a former director and audit committee member, expressed confidence in CEO Stephen Guerin and emphasized governance and transparency. The shift comes amid broader scrutiny of foreign investment and corporate accountability in New Zealand.