DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle says Crewther has an in-depth knowledge of dairy farming and the New Zealand pastoral sector, expertise across the key policy issues of the day and strong relationships in the sector on a global basis. "That will be invaluable to us," he says.
Crewther, currently based in the Netherlands, will complete her assignment in Europe and relocate to Wellington to take up her new role with DairyNZ from June 11.
"This is a key role for our organisation and the dairy industry. Kimberly replaces our high flyer Simon Tucker, who has moved on from DairyNZ and is set to become NZ High Commissioner to Canada. Simon made a great contribution to DairyNZ over his four years with us by leading, establishing and building up a respected and effective policy and advocacy team. Kimberly can now carry on what he started. She will ensure that DairyNZ continues to play a significant role in the development of industry and sector direction and policies," he says.
For the past nine years Kimberly has held a number of roles in the Fonterra Cooperative Group, including her current European position where she has been responsible for leading the development and implementation of Fonterra's trade policy and government relations strategies in the region.
During her time at Fonterra, she has also been part of the sustainable production team and contributed to some of the key milestones for the dairy industry in New Zealand and globally such as climate change policy, the Emissions Trading Scheme and the National Animal Identification and Traceability scheme.
Mackle says Crewther will also assume the part-time position of executive director of the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ). In this role, she will report to the chairman of DCANZ, Malcolm Bailey.
Bailey says this is an important role for the dairy companies' association.
"We have a lot of collective challenges and opportunities. Kimberly has a strong set of skills and experience that will certainly help us going forward. I'm excited about her appointment," Bailey says.
