Board chairman Sir Bill English said the board was delighted to welcome Mr Grave.
Sir Bill said Mr Grave was an "experienced CEO with deep expertise across New Zealand’s primary and food production sectors, having led teams and businesses in complex, fast-moving environment".
"He brings a strong track record of driving growth and operational excellence, and has already spent significant time with our people, farms and processing operations."
Mr Grave said he was particularly drawn to just how unique Mt Cook Alpine Salmon’s proposition was.
"Growing salmon at scale in pure glacial waters — no-one else can say that. And with demand continuing to outstrip supply across the sector, puts both us and the industry in a good position."
Mr Grave’s appointment comes as the company reports a record first quarter, following its strongest financial year to date, with revenue up 37% to $53.5million.
He said there was a very solid growth plan for the next five years and a strong team that was starting to see the results of their hard work.
Mt Cook Alpine Salmon is the largest employer in Twizel and has sites in Queenstown, Timaru and Christchurch.
The company is the country’s leading freshwater king salmon producer and exporter.
"I feel fortunate to be able to work for a regional New Zealand company that’s already performing strongly and has an incredible global growth path ahead."
Former CEO David Cole announced his retirement last year.
Mr Cole said it had been a privilege and honour to lead the company.
"I’ve enjoyed transitioning the business to Todd. He totally understands the challenges of producing a premium primary product in New Zealand and I’m confident he will take the company to the next level."
Sir Bill extended the board’s deepest gratitude to Mr Cole for his "outstanding contribution". —Allied Media
