Robotics Plus co-founder to take on CEO role

Robotics Plus announced today that co-founder Steve Saunders will be the company’s next chief executive. Saunders, who is also Robotics Plus’ Chairman, will succeed Dr Matt Glenn, from the 3rd of September.

Saunders says, “Robotics Plus is very well set up for the next phase in its growth, thanks to the fantastic job Matt has done leading the business through its initial growth phase.  We are very grateful for Matt’s contribution and the legacy of success he leaves. We wish him well as he moves on to new challenges.”

Over the past two years Robotics Plus has achieved some major milestones, including: launching its first two commercial innovations - the Āporo apple packer and an automatic log scaler (Robotic Scaling Machine), entering the US and European markets, and completing a US$10M Series A investment with Yamaha Motor Co.  Robotics Plus has a number of new products in the pipeline that it intends to launch in the next 18 months.

Dr Glenn says, “It has been an exciting time at Robotics Plus and it has been a privilege to lead such a passionate and capable team. In 2018 Steve asked me to lead Robotics Plus through its first major growth phase, and this has been achieved. I’m really proud of the milestones we have accomplished as a team, there have been so many highlights.”

During Dr Glenn’s time, Robotics Plus was recognised locally, nationally and internationally for its achievements. The company received a Westpac Corporate Leadership Award, two New Zealand Hi-Tech Awards, and the inaugural ANZLF Trans-Tasman Innovation and Growth Award.  This year Robotics Plus was also named a THRIVE Top 50 Global Agritech Company and a RBR Global Top 50 Robotics Company.