Sophie Stanley joins Ag Emissions Centre Governance Group

Sophie Stanley

Sophie has spent more than 15 years working at the intersection of agriculture, science and technology, with a focus on translating complex innovation into practical value for the primary sector. Her experience spans organisations including Levno, Halter, WayBeyond, Autogrow and Figured, where she has worked across go-to-market strategy, product development, commercialisation and growth.

She also brings a strong connection to New Zealand agriculture. Sophie grew up on a sheep and beef farm in Taupō and holds degrees in Agricultural Science and Business Studies from Massey University. She is also a Nuffield Scholar and Kellogg Rural Leader, bringing a strong track record of agricultural leadership and sector engagement.
Her governance experience includes her current role as an Executive Council Member of AgriTechNZ, previous trustee experience with Dairy Women’s Network and an Associate Director role with the Nuffield NZ & Rural Leadership Consortium. She also completed the OnBoard governance programme, including a board observer role with NZX-listed Bremworth.

For AgEC, Sophie brings a perspective that connects research and innovation with the realities of the agricultural sector, including the factors that influence confidence, investment and the uptake of new approaches.

AgEC Governance Group Chair David Hughes says Sophie’s experience will add valuable perspective to the Governance Group as the Centre continues to steward New Zealand’s agricultural emissions research and development portfolio.

“Sophie brings a valuable combination of agricultural understanding, commercial experience and governance capability. Her experience working across agriculture, science and technology will bring an important perspective to our discussions, particularly around how innovation can move from research and development towards practical application. We’re very pleased to welcome her to the Governance Group.”

Sophie says the opportunity aligns closely with the focus of her career.

“The Ag Emissions Centre sits at the heart of an important challenge for New Zealand agriculture – making sure the science and innovation available to us can translate into meaningful outcomes on farm. I’m looking forward to contributing my experience and perspective to the Governance Group.”

Sophie’s appointment follows the conclusion of Richard Gordon’s term on the Governance Group.

AgEC acknowledges and thanks Richard for his contribution to the Governance Group and to the Centre more broadly. Richard has worked with AgEC over many years, including as a partner and stakeholder through previous roles and as the Centre’s interim Executive Director in 2023. His experience and contribution have been valued by the Centre, and AgEC wishes him well following the conclusion of his term.