AgriSea NZ has appointed Craig Hudson as Chief Growth Officer, bringing a farmer-first perspective shaped by a career spanning professional rugby, agribusiness and international technology.
Based in Paeroa, the company says Hudson’s deep connection to rural communities across New Zealand will be central to its next phase of growth, particularly as it looks to expand the export of its seaweed-derived intellectual property into international markets.
Hudson’s journey began in Christchurch, where he joined the Crusaders Academy after school and played club rugby while living on local farms.
“That was my first real introduction to farming life,” he says. “It gave me an appreciation for how practical farmers are and how closely decisions are tied to value.”
A professional rugby career followed, including time with the New Zealand national rugby sevens team and playing overseas, before illness forced him to retire.
“Walking away from rugby was tough, but it also made me step back and look at what I was good at outside of sport,” Hudson says.
He transitioned into agribusiness roles with Organic Direct and McFall Fuel, working closely with farmers and rural contractors nationwide. Those experiences, he says, helped define his commercial philosophy.
“Farmers don’t have time for fluff. If something doesn’t stack up, they’ll tell you,” he says.
“That taught me to focus on practical outcomes, long-term thinking and building trust.”
Craig Hudson.
Hudson later spent several years in the United Kingdom with Xero before returning to New Zealand as Managing Director. He has now taken up the newly created Chief Growth Officer role at AgriSea NZ.
“For me, this role brings together everything I’ve learned – from farming communities, technology and innovation through to scaling local businesses globally,” he says.
“AgriSea is grounded in agriculture, but it’s also looking outward, which is an exciting place to be.”
In the new role, Hudson will focus on identifying growth opportunities and supporting the export of AgriSea’s intellectual property. The company’s research and development work is supported through a partnership with BSI – Scion Group.
Hudson says maintaining strong ties with rural New Zealand will remain a priority.
“The best ideas still need to work on the ground. That’s something farmers are very clear about, and it’s a mindset I bring with me every day.”
AgriSea NZ describes itself as a global leader in natural biostimulant solutions, working alongside farmers to improve productivity and resilience while regenerating natural ecosystems through research partnerships and innovative product development.
