The team at JS Ewers
Pierre Gargiulo
General Manager
Pierre has been with the business since 2012 initially as the Operations Manager before moving into the General Managers role on John’s retirement in 2017. Coming from a family with many generations of tomato growers, Pierre is well experienced in the horticultural sector. His background in construction and project management has also been valuable in taking the business forward.
Maralize Smith
Finance Manager
Since joining JS Ewers in 2022, Maralize, our Finance Manager, has brought invaluable expertise to our team. Originally from South Africa, Maralize moved to New Zealand in 2020 after studying management accounting. Her background in healthcare seamlessly transitioned into her current role, where she finds fulfilment in the diverse responsibilities and collaborative atmosphere. Working at JS Ewers fills Maralize with pride, knowing she contributes to a trusted brand and respected organization within the community.
Marcus Gargiulo
Sales Manager
Having joined the business in 2009, initially as the Indoor Packhouse Manager, Marcus is now the Sales Manager, liaising with our markets daily. Overseeing the logistics and supply functions across both the Indoor and Outdoor operations, Marcus also has a long family history of involvement in the horticultural industry.
David Price
Indoor Head Grower
David is passionate about growing having started in horticulture at the age of 16 and progressing through to be the Head Grower for the indoor operation. With 25+ years of experience, he still feels a real sense of accomplishment planting a crop and being able to see that crop grow to its full potential, growing something that people can eat and enjoy every day.
Geoff Lamont
Indoor Grower
Geoff has a wealth of experience in growing, starting as a cadet in the industry, achieving the first prize in greenhouse production. Having also previously run his own tomato growing operation, Geoff joined the business in 2005, and he now predominantly focuses on managing the capsicum and eggplant growing for the business.
Liam Hart
Indoor Packing Manager
Liam started working for the company in 2011 initially in the glasshouse, soon after moving to the indoor pack house and working up through every position. Having learned every role in the shed allows Liam to fully understand how best to manage the day to day running of the pack house. Liam liaises very closely with the sales manager and indoor growers. He is passionate about supplying the country with quality produce.
Dan Manuge
Outdoor Crop Production Operations Manager
Having worked across multiple South Island regions, Dan has over twenty years of Horticulture experience encompassing viticulture, pip fruit, and tree nursery growing. Dan enjoys the challenges of working hands-on in the field while helping his team utilise modern technology to assist in achieving sustainable vegetable production.
Paul Hunt
Outdoor Grower Manager
Paul is one of our longest-serving managers having started with the business in 1993. He has a lifetime of experience in the horticultural industry and says he really enjoys working outdoors alongside his team of people. The core focus of his role is overseeing outdoor planting and crop management through to harvest, with technology now playing an ever-increasing role in these key areas.
Jenny Vidal Fernandez
Outdoor Agronomist
Jenny is a trained agronomist, having worked in horticulture since 2004 and moving to New Zealand from Chile in 2016. She says she enjoys her role because it's dynamic with new challenges and the opportunity to use research and technology to ensure crops maintain optimal health as they grow. Interacting daily with our crops, the environment and other staff is key in her role.
Alex Hirsler
Outdoor Packing Manager
Alex has been with the business since 2018 having previously worked for MGs in Nelson as the Warehouse Manager. His role involves managing the packing facility for the outdoor produce and as such he liaises very closely with the Sales Manager and the Outdoor Quality & Production Manager to ensure the produce meets our highest quality standards and is packed ready for despatch on time to markets all around New Zealand.
Lian Price
Grower Manager - Berryfruit
Growing is in Lian’s blood, having grown up in a family of growers. After a period managing tomato production in a related company in Australia, Lian took on the exciting opportunity to return to his hometown and establish berry fruit production at JS Ewers. He is looking forward to continuing the JS Ewers reputation for quality in a whole new and evolving product category.
Mark Robinson
Equipment and Facilities Manager
Mark is a local from Appleby with a background in water and pumping. His association with JS Ewers spans two decades, initially as a contractor before stepping into his current role. Known for his practical problem-solving skills, Mark is integral to the team. He looks forward to contributing to the growth and maintenance of the business as JS Ewers continues to expand. And as for those who suggest he's got "gorse in his pockets," Mark remains bemused by such claims!