Pushing the boundaries of biologicals
Cellora is a forward-thinking company developing eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic chemicals and pesticides. We’re pushing past the limits of traditional methods, to change the way the world grows food.
Leading from New Zealand
Cellora is located in New Zealand, home to unique biota, diverse ecosystems, and a mindset that allows us to be nimble and agile in our approach to crop protection. We believe that by harnessing the power of nature, we can create a more sustainable and harmonious relationship between agriculture and the environment, not only in New Zealand but around the world.
Practical Solutions for the Real World
We understand the entire process of farming and growing, from the science and biology behind it to the practical application on the ground. This holistic understanding allows us to provide solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of growers that are both effective and sustainable.
The Meaning Behind Our Name
At our core, we believe that everything we do should be of benefit to people, crops, and nature. The name Cellora is inspired by our commitment to improving the world around us. It is based on the relationship between ‘cell’ (the basic unit of every living being) and ‘ora’ (a te reo Māori word which means to be alive, healthy, safe and well).
Our Values
Biology First
We harness the power of biologicals to enhance the health and well-being of the planet and its inhabitants.
No Compromises
We produce high-quality, safe, and effective products that meet the needs of farmers, growers, and customers.
Solutions Focused
We believe in constant innovation, research, and development to find new and more effective ways to protect crops.
Success through Partnerships
We build strong relationships with farmers, growers, and communities, working together to create a sustainable future for all.
Own Our Future
We are focused on a better future where our food systems are resilient and adapt to change.
Our Team
Dave Campbell
Chief Executive Officer
Dave Campbell is a purpose driven leader with a broad skill set that spans global value chains within the primary sector. With over 20 years of agribusiness leadership experience, Dave has contributed significantly to the innovative, entrepreneurial and values-based team cultures of some of New Zealand’s most successful export companies including Manuka Health and Synlait.
A Nuffield Scholar, Dave holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from Massey University and is a member of the Institute of Directors.
As a promoter of provenance, grower, producer, exporter, scientist, consumer and father - Dave is strongly connected with Cellora’s purpose of changing the way the world grows food.
Dr Craig Chambers
Commercial Manager
Craig is a recognized expert in the field of biologicals with over 18 years of experience in insect pathology and biological control. He was instrumental in developing both efficient production methodologies and robust quality control standards for baculovirus production and Sterile Insect Technique into the South African Citrus industry. Craig holds an MSc in Plant Pathology, a PhD in Entomology, and an MBA from Rhodes University in South Africa.
Leading our trial work and go to market activities, Craig ensures Cellora’s biological solutions are well researched, technically robust and highly efficacious.
Our Board
The Cellora board is made up of New Zealand industry leaders from a number of fields, who bring a wealth of expertise in business development, agriculture, and sustainability. Together, their diverse backgrounds and skillsets are helping to shape the direction of Cellora today and drive its mission forward into tomorrow.
Juliet Maclean
Having grown up on a farm, Juliet has 35 years’ experience in the agri sector, both hands on operations, leadership and governance. Juliet is co-founder of both the Canterbury-based dairy business, Synlait and Onside, a Christchurch-based, award-winning Agritech business. Juliet holds various governance roles across agri, tech and property businesses. With investments in these entities, Juliet is motivated to use her experience and knowledge to encourage success in these businesses. She holds a B Agr Degree from Massey University, is a Nuffield Scholar and Kellogg Rural Leader. Alongside her business interests, Juliet is curious about the impact of great leadership on the performance of teams and the value of taking a systems approach to operations, in both the biological world and business.
Kelvin Keh
Kelvin has over 20 years of technology commercialisation, innovation management and international business experience across the spectrum of healthcare segments including biotech, pharma, devices, digital, nutrition and CPG. He has experience building high-growth businesses in European, Asian and North American markets. He has formal qualifications in Biotechnology (Hons) and Chemical Engineering (Masters) from the University of Auckland and is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors.
Michael Falconer
Michael is an accomplished business leader with global experience across a range of sectors. Michael previously worked for investment bank Credit Suisse in New Zealand and New York. He was CEO of Carter Holt Harvey, a leading Australasian building supplies manufacturer. More recently, Michael has worked with entrepreneurs and business owners to realise the full potential of their businesses.
Michael is Chair of Orion Health, Onside (as co-founder), NextMinute (as co-founder) and South Pacific Fire Protection. He has a Bachelor of Business Management (First Class Honours) from Waikato University.
Our Board Advisors
Andrew Guthrie
Andrew gained extensive leadership and commercial experience in agriculture through his thirty-two-year career with Syngenta. In roles including Regional Director and Country President, Andrew was a member of Syngenta’s Global Crop Protection leadership team and led multibillion-dollar business units in Asia Pacific and Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
In 2017, Syngenta became the largest publicly listed company to be acquired by a Chinese company and become part of the ChemChina group. As Regional Director of China, Andrew led the establishment of the China regional business unit after the acquisition.
Now living in the Yarra Valley in Victoria, Australia, Andrew is a non-executive director and serves on the Boards of Cotton Seed Distributors and Bio-Gene Technology (ASX: BGT).
Dr. Alison Stewart
Alison is a seasoned research scientist with a 40-year career specialising in sustainable crop protection technologies. She has led major research programs at Auckland and Lincoln Universities, focusing on developing bioactive microbes for pest and disease control, resulting in five commercialised products in New Zealand.
In 2013, Alison moved to the USA as Chief Scientist and Senior VP of R&D at Marrone Bio Innovations, gaining valuable commercial insights. Upon returning to New Zealand, she became CEO of The Foundation for Arable Research, advancing bio-based products for sustainable crop protection.
Alison is a Fellow of the NZ Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Research and the Australasian Plant Pathology Society and was honoured as a Companion of the NZ Order of Merit in 2009.
She is based in Christchurch and serves as a director of Blis Technologies Ltd
(NZX: BLT).
