Vince Wylaars
Managing Director/Joint CEO
After purchasing Jornas Nurseries in 1990 with brother Pedro, Vince worked in all aspects of the business, from truck driving to building. In particular though, he has put the skills and business acumen gained from his experience in the engineering industry to good use. He has been the project manager of all the company’s projects, including the building of the new production nursery at Belfast, and has played a major strategic role in shaping the company’s vision.
Graham Windross
Managing Director/Joint CEO
Graham founded Mount Wellington Nurseries in 1980. His vision and energy saw the business expand over time into being the North Island's biggest producer of home garden bedding plants. He built up a nursery operation at Panama Road as well as a nursery and distribution centre in Levin. He now shares a joint Managing Director role in Zealandia Horticulture.
Pedro Wylaars
General Manager South Island Production
After purchasing Jornas Nurseries in 1990 with his brother Vince, Pedro was instrumental in developing the business using his horticultural experience and people skills. He has shared responsibility for multiple roles in the company, but his main focus has been in the management of the production systems and dispatch side of operations.
Paul Wylaars
General Manager New Zealand Young Plant
Paul joined his brothers in 1996. While sharing multiple roles in the company, his background in print production planning has lead him to focus mainly on the development of advanced planning and data analysis systems, which he has applied to all parts of the planning process from seed production to transplanting.
Simon Thompson
General Manager Sales & Marketing
Simon has over 19 years’ industry experience in the plant growing and retailing industry. His diverse background includes five years as a garden centre retailer, 2 years as a landscaper and builder, and one year as a seed company rep. He was the part-owner and General Manager of Anderson’s Zealandia for several years, and is now responsible for Sales and Marketing.
Jozefa Wylaars
HR/IT Systems Manager
Providing IT support as Jornas Nurseries grew over the past 5 years, Jozefa now manages the Head Office. Jozefa has a background in economics and computing and is responsible for the day to day IT functions and the long term change management.