Monday, 03 March 2025 10:05

Wyeth to head Synlait

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
From May, former Westland Milk Products chief executive Richard Wyeth will head up Synlait. From May, former Westland Milk Products chief executive Richard Wyeth will head up Synlait.

Former Westland Milk boss Richard Wyeth is taking over as chief executive of Canterbury milk processor Synlait from May 19.

Wyeth, a seasoned dairy industry leader, stepped down from Westland last month.

He takes as Synlait from acting chief executive Tim Carter, who will return to his role as chief executive of Dairyworks, a Synlait subsidiary.

Synlait chair George Adams says Wyeth is a seasoned, tested, and highly regarded CEO in New Zealand's dairy industry. “Synlait is extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to benefit from Richard's extensive experience growing companies in our sector. He has positively transformed dairy companies, and we are excited he is joining Synlait.”

Wyeth will be well known to many in the dairy community having previously been CEO of both Westland Milk Products and Taupo-based dairy company Miraka. He also helped establish Open Country Dairy and held management positions with Coca-Cola Amatil and DB Breweries prior to this.

Wyeth says Synlait's fundamentals are strong.

“The fact it’s now on track to return to profitability, after overcoming a list of challenges, reflects exceptional capability within the team. I'm looking forward to getting to know Synlait's farmers and staff to build on, and support, the turnaround story, which is already underway."

Adams thanked Carter for his stint as acting chief executive.

“Momentum is building within Synlait. Tim has played an instrumental role in driving this step change in the company’s performance and ensuring we are on track to return to profitability at half year.”

More like this

Ah Tatua, You've Done It Again!

Waikato milk processor Tatua has again declared a record milk payout to farmer shareholders, leaving other processors in the dust.

Featured

Ah Tatua, You've Done It Again!

Waikato milk processor Tatua has again declared a record milk payout to farmer shareholders, leaving other processors in the dust.

India FTA Unites NZ First, Greens

National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.

2026-27 Fishing Season Opens Across New Zealand

New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.

CODC Rejects Plan to Spread Sludge on Lauder Farmland

Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter