Board of Directors

David Irving
Chairman, Board of Directors

David Irving was appointed Chairman of the Board for Prolife Foods in October 2006.

David has helped positively shape numerous companies during his very successful business career including holding the position of Chief Executive and Area Director of Heinz Wattie, Australasia until his retirement 1997.  David also took up various directorships and university positions which include Chairman of Nobilo Wines Limited and Genesis Research and Development Corporation.  Chairman and major shareholder of Cable Bay Vineyards.  Co-founder and Chairman of The Icehouse, an incubation and growth programme for small and medium businesses.   Long term advisor to many SME's.

In addition to his business interests, David is an Honorary Professor of Enterprise and Management at the University of Auckland Business School.  He has co authored a management book for owner managers titled Changing Gears and regularly contributes to Unlimited Magazine.

Bernie & Kaye Crosby
Founders & Directors

In the mid 1980's Bernie & Kaye made the decision to sell their partnership interests in an established Real Estate company and embark on a new venture - the founding of Prolife Foods Ltd.  Bernie's entrepreneurial and leadership skills, complemented by Kaye's approach to financial administration and her legal background and HR skills, provided the foundations and framework for the successful company it is today.  

In 2005 Kaye stepped back from a management role with the appointment of an HR Manager and Bernie elected to withdraw from day to day management of the business in 2006.  Both Bernie and Kaye remain actively involved in all decision making at Board level.

Bernie's successful business career includes setting up a joint venture in 1991.  Snack Systems (NZ) Ltd, now known as Provender Ltd, is a snack vending business with several franchisees serving businesses throughout New Zealand and now Australia.   He has taken up directorship positions and in 2009 was appointed to the Board of Waikato company, Proform Plastics Limited.

In 2009 Bernie was awarded an Honorary Bachelor of Business Studies from the Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) recognising Bernie's distinguished contribution in developing a successful Waikato based business that provides employment in the Waikato region and is among New Zealand's largest privately owned and operated food businesses.

Hilary Poole
Independent Director

Hilary's initial introduction to Prolife Foods was in her capacity as independent advisor through her own company Poole & Associates Ltd.  Hilary's strengths were in enabling business leaders to develop and articulate their strategies and plans and build programmes for business and economic growth.   Hilary advised many high profile organisations over a period of more than 10 years.   It was during the facilitation and leadership of a management strategy session that it was recognised that Hilary's strengths could add tremendous value to Prolife Foods on an ongoing basis.   Hilary was appointed Independent director of Prolife Foods in May 2006.

Hilary is CEO of Hockey New Zealand and her successful business background includes senior marketing and operational roles in the retail financial services for Bank of New Zealand and GE Capital in the UK.  She has been trustee and then chair of several not for profit organisations including First Foundation and Diocesan School for Girls. 

Hilary also holds a Bachelor of Commerce - majoring in Economics and Marketing, as well as a Bachelor of Physical Education.

Tony Steele
Independent Director

Tony has practiced as a Chartered Accountant in Hamilton from 1964 to 2009 and has been a partner at KPMG since 1987.   From 1988-1997 he was Partner in charge of Business Advisory Services and during this time (1991-1997) was also Deputy Managing Partner.  From 1997-2008 Tony was appointed as Managing Partner and was also the Hamilton Office Representative on the KPMG National Board.   Tony made the decision to retire as partner in December 2009.

Not only has Tony enjoyed a successful accounting career, he is also Chairman of a major Private Manufacturing Group comprising a Holding Company with eight subsidiaries and two associate companies.

For the last 25 years Tony has acted as Financial Advisor for Prolife Foods Limited and the Crosby family.  Tony was appointed an Independent Director of Prolife Foods in April 2010.