DeLaval head takes DWN top job

The network's trust board made the much-awaiting announcement today and de Villiers will take up the Hamilton-based role in January 2014.

With more than 20 years' experience in the international agricultural industry, de Villiers has also worked for DeLaval International in Sweden and New Zealand where she has been based since 2009.

Prior to joining DeLaval, de Villiers spent the first 10 years' of her career in the agricultural finance and rural banking sector in South Africa. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics with Honours and a Diploma in Animal Nursing both from Pretoria University.

Dairy Women's Network chair Michelle Wilson says de Villiers has a broad agricultural background and demonstrates a passion for the rural sector and the New Zealand dairy industry. "Zelda has an exceptional understanding of the challenges New Zealand's dairy farming women face.

"She has extensive strategic leadership, corporate development, marketing and sales and networking experience. She has led a number of teams and events, and her expertise is a valuable addition not only to the success of the Dairy Women's Network but also to leadership in the New Zealand agricultural sector.

"The board welcomes Zelda and is looking forward to working alongside her as we continue to expand the potential of dairying women through opportunities for learning, transferring and growing skills and developing leadership in the business of dairying."