Online Reporter
Business Reporter
LISTED food-processor National Foods (NatFoods) chief executive officer (CEO) Mr Micheal Lashbrook was recognised as the 2024 CEO of the Year by the Institute of Directors Zimbabwe (IoDZ), at the Director of the Year Awards ceremony in Harare on Friday.
The Director of the Year Awards were introduced by IoDZ in 2005 to recognise the achievements of an individual in Zimbabwe who has distinguished himself or herself as a board member.
The award is meant to recognise the individual’s contribution to his or her respective board’s direction, strategy and corporate social responsibility.
The award does not recognise the management contribution of the recipient, but the contribution to the board.
In a nomination letter to Mr Lashbrook, IoDZ CEO Ms Cathrine Nyachionjeka said this year’s award nomination and awarding criteria were also based on contributions from the Institute of Directors United Kingdom (IoD, UK), IoD Director Competency Framework, and an independent analysis of board performance informed by entities’ annual reports.
The IoD Director Competency Framework is the only one of its kind for directors; it is designed to promote and champion the highest standards of professional competence on the part of leaders of companies and other organisations.
“The framework enables a 360-degree assessment of director competences. It’s with great pleasure that we write to advise you that your organisation has been nominated for the Director of the Year Awards for the following category: CEO of the Year Award,” said Ms Nyachionjeka.
Meanwhile, the recent commissioning of NatFoods’ US$7 million breakfast cereal plant by President Mnangagwa is expected to significantly reduce the country’s cereal imports.
The plant is also expected to result in huge cost savings.
“The launch of this cereal plant in May marks a pivotal moment for us. We are committed to expanding our portfolio with nutritious cereals tailored for the Zimbabwean market and neighbouring regions,” said NatFoods cereal brand manager Ms Media Tazarurwa on Saturday at a Breakfast Total Wellbeing engagement organised in conjunction with the Organisation of Women in International Trade (OWIT).
“Our goal is to reduce our dependency on imports and foster local food production.”
She said the Nutriburst Instant Cereal, which was launched in April last year, had received positive feedback.
“This quick and healthy breakfast option, especially for children, comes conveniently packaged with milk or water,” she said.
The introduction of Nutriburst is a significant step towards addressing the nutritional needs of Zimbabweans while also curbing import reliance.
Mr Tazarurwa emphasised the importance of local production in ensuring food security.
OWIT’s Harare chapter president, Ms Buhlebenkosi Nyathi, highlighted the crucial link between women’s wellness and economic empowerment.
“We collaborate with partners like National Foods, who share our vision for wellness products. Supporting businesswomen is essential, as they often navigate various challenges that affect their productivity and mental health,” said Ms Nyathi.
“At OWIT, our mission is economic empowerment, and we recognise that holistic wellness plays a vital role in achieving this.”
The partnership between National Foods and OWIT aims to create an environment where women can thrive personally and professionally.
By prioritising wellness, they are equipping businesswomen with the tools they need to succeed.
As National Foods forges ahead with its ambitious plans, the company stands as a beacon of progress, demonstrating the potential of local industries to meet the country’s nutritional needs.
