Our People
Alistair Scarfe (PhD, BE Hons)
Founder & Chief Technical Officer
Dr Alistair Scarfe (PhD, BE) earned a PhD in Industrial Automation after completing a Bachelor of Engineering, majoring in Mechatronics with First Class Honours, both from Massey University. Alistair has eight years’ experience developing horticultural robotics and his work was validated during the PhD assessment process. The prototype autonomous kiwifruit harvester was the subject matter of his thesis. As RPL’s Chief Technical Officer and company director, Alistair is responsible for overseeing the execution of all RPL’s projects. He was a finalist for NZ Hi-Tech Young Achiever of the Year 2012 and won the Tauranga 2011 Rocket Young Innovator of the Year (under 40). Alistair is the first scholar to receive the Dick and Mary Earle Scholarship in Technology for three consecutive years and was awarded a ZESPRI Innovation Fellowship.
Steven Saunders
CEO, Founder + Board Chairman of RPL and the Plus Group
Owner and Board Chairman of RPL and the Plus Group of Companies. Steve has over 28 years of experience and expertise in the New Zealand horticulture industry across the following disciplines: growing, management, financial management, innovation, new product to market, postharvest ownership, international experience in the export of horticultural products (including pollen and pollen application systems), project management and JV partnerships. As an active angel investor, he has been appointed as a director of a number of other emerging start-ups and holds key board positions with Priority One, Enterprise Angels, Icehouse and a recent Crown appointment to Landcare Research. Steve is also a shareholder and director for Newnham Park Innovation Centre, the home of many award-winning innovation-focused companies.
Andrew Dawson (PhD, BSc Hons)
Chief Operating Officer
Leading multidisciplinary research and development teams to deliver innovative solutions through a concentrated research and development cycle, and optimising flexible manufacturing models for product commercialisation.
Chelan Burton-Brown (CA)
Chief Financial Officer
Enabling our pathway to profitability through deep insight and analysis, risk management, financial strategy and business partnership.
Penny Rae (B.SocSci Psychology) Head of People and Culture
Driven to create an environment where people can thrive and together achieve the global industry transformation that RPL aspires towards.
The growing team behind Robotics Plus is comprised of a diverse group of educated, experienced and motivated people.
