Mark Piper has been appointed as the inaugural Chief Executive of the new amalgamated Crown Research Institute (CRI), the New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science (Bioeconomy Science Institute).

Mr Piper has been appointed Transition Chief Executive Officer, taking up the new position on formation of the Bioeconomy Science Institute on 1 July 2025 and supporting the Board and staff through the merger process. Currently CEO of Plant & Food Research, Mr Piper will work with the CEOs of the other three CRIs involved in the merger to provide continuity and deliver on collective initiatives to support integration. From 1 July the CEOs will continue to lead their current organisations as groups within the amalgamated Bioeconomy Science Institute as we work toward the new operating model for the Bioeconomy Science Institute.

The Bioeconomy Science Institute brings together AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research and Scion into a single organisation, conducting research to advance innovation in agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, forestry, biotechnology and manufacturing; protect and enhance ecosystems from biosecurity threats and climate risks; and develop new bio-based technologies and products. The combined Institute brings together more than 2200 employees, including 1440 research staff.

Prior to joining Plant & Food Research in 2023, Mr Piper was at Fonterra Cooperative Group, where he spent his last five years as Director Research & Development, Category Marketing & Strategy.  During his 30 years with Fonterra Mr Piper held roles based in New Zealand and internationally.  This included three years in Japan in a technical role focused on growth and customer engagement, and five years in the USA where he was the Regional Director for Fonterra Americas, based in Chicago.

The Board intends to initiate an external search process to appoint a permanent CEO within the next twelve months.