Farmers' call
OPINION: Fonterra's $4.22 billion consumer business sale to Lactalis is ruffling a few feathers outside the dairy industry.
Fonterra executive Leon Clement has been appointed the new chief executive of independent milk processor Synlait.
He replaces Synlait Milk co-founder John Penno, who will retain a governance role in the company.
Clement was Fonterra’s Managing Director of Fonterra Brands New Zealand and prior to that was their Managing Director of Sri Lanka and Indian Subcontinent.
Having held numerous senior leadership positions throughout his career, Clement is excited by the opportunities Synlait has created and is looking forward to taking on the role of CEO.
“I’m passionate about New Zealand agriculture, and growing people and businesses in a sustainable way,” says Clement.
“That’s why I’m so excited to be joining the Synlait team at such a pivotal time. The progress to date is impressive and under John’s leadership Synlait has achieved some significant milestones, which have set the business up well for the next phase of growth.”
“The business is in fantastic shape and we will continue to target sustainable growth by leveraging the potential within our organisation, as well as the potential in the markets and customers we partner with,” adds Clement.
Synlait chairman Grame Milne says Clement has led major businesses internationally, specifically in Vietnam and Sri Lanka, and has deep experience in the branded dairy sector.
“He brings a broad range of skills and experience that is relevant to Synlait’s future strategic initiatives.”
Brett Wotton, an Eastern Bay of Plenty kiwifruit grower and harvest contractor, has won the 2025 Kiwifruit Innovation Award for his work to support lifting fruit quality across the industry.
Academic Dr Mike Joy and his employer, Victoria University of Wellington have apologised for his comments suggesting that dairy industry CEOs should be hanged for contributing towards nitrate poisoning of waterways.
Environment Southland's catchment improvement funding is once again available for innovative landowners in need of a boost to get their project going.
The team meeting at the Culverden Hotel was relaxed and open, despite being in the middle of calving when stress levels are at peak levels, especially in bitterly cold and wet conditions like today.
A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.
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