Professor Pierre Venter says returning to academia after many years leading innovation and research partnerships in the dairy industry is both exciting and meaningful.
A prominent figure in the New Zealand dairy industry, Professor Venter joins Ƶ from Fonterra, where he has most recently been the Director of Research and Development, leading a large strategic portfolio. His team has won multiple global product innovation awards and in 2024, he was awarded the Significant Contribution to Food Safety Award at the New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology Awards. He currently sits on the International Food Industry Advisory Council and is an Executive Board Member of FoodHQ, and is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors.
Born and bred in South Africa, Professor Venter moved to Palmerston North in 2011 where he is currently based. Prior to joining Fonterra, he was a Professor, research leader and doctoral supervisor at South Africa’s Central University of Technology, Free State.
He holds a PhD in Microbiology, a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Microbiology, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology, all from the University of the Free State, South Africa.
Chancellor Alistair Davis led the recruitment process involving an extensive global search on behalf of the Ƶ Council, and says Professor Venter’s appointment marks a significant milestone for the university.
“We are delighted to welcome Professor Venter to Massey. His leadership, strategic insight, and commitment to innovation and inclusion will be instrumental in strengthening our impact both locally and globally.
“Universities are evolving to handle new technologies such as artificial intelligence and the commodification of knowledge, and Pierre’s experience of both academia and applying research into the commercial world will bring a fresh lens to this sector-wide challenge. His dual-sector experience also positions him well to lead Massey from both an academic standpoint and as the leader of a large commercial research organisation.
“With Professor Venter coming from New Zealand’s largest exporter, and an organisation deeply embedded in the agricultural sector, Massey is reinforcing its highly regarded reputation as an applied university at the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand’s economy.”
Professor Venter says returning to academia after many years leading innovation and research partnerships in the dairy industry is both exciting and meaningful.
“Universities shape the people and ideas that solve real-world problems, and they generate the science, technology, and insights that strengthen our communities and economies. For me, it’s about enabling great minds to do great work, and ensuring that both research and teaching deliver meaningful value to society.
“What drew me to Massey is its proud heritage, clear sense of purpose, and global reach. It plays a vital role in Aotearoa New Zealand in areas that matter most. I was also inspired by its genuine commitment to partnership through Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
“I see enormous potential to strengthen Massey’s leadership position both here and globally, to further modernise how it delivers education, and to build new partnerships with industry and government. Massey has the scale and capability to lead the next generation of universities, and I’m excited to work with staff, students, and Council to bring that vision to life.”
Professor Venter will be based in Palmerston North at Ƶ’s Manawatū campus.
Current Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas announced her resignation in April 2025 and has stayed on to ensure a smooth transition. She will remain at Massey until January 2026.
Mr Davis acknowledged Professor Thomas for her outstanding contribution during what has been an exceptionally challenging period for the university sector.
“Jan’s leadership, through the constraints of limited government funding and the unprecedented disruption of a global pandemic, has been nothing short of remarkable. It has been a privilege to work alongside her during my time on Council, and I extend my sincere thanks and best wishes for her future endeavours.”
Mr Davis also thanked members of the Vice-Chancellor Selection Committee, Ngā Kaiwhakapūmau and the staff and student advisory groups for their valuable input and support during the recruitment process, alongside the wider university community who provided important feedback on the values and attributes they wanted in a leader.
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