Dr John Penno commenced his career in the dairy industry as a consulting officer for the New Zealand Dairy Board before joining Dexcel as a research scientist.
As a scientist and research program leader, he worked to enable New Zealand dairy farmers to increase productivity and profit.
Dr Penno chairs the Pure Food Co and is a director of Okuora Holdings, Thorndale Dairies and Leaft Foods. He is also chair of the Fresh Water Leaders Group, reporting to Ministers Parker and O'Connor.