New head for FoodWaikato

Giles has been appointed the dairy product manufacturer's new chief executive.

FoodWaikato has spray drying facilities for the manufacture of innovative dairy products, including infant formula. It tripled its manufacturing capacity with the commissioning of a new spray dryer in 2020 and it has grown its staff from two to nearly 40, over the past nine years.

Its customers include New Zealand's two biggest sheep milk producers, Maui and Spring Sheep, both of which are tenants at the neighbouring Innovation Park. It also manufactures product for Australian-based Nu Mega, which develops bioactive ingredients for health and nutritional products.

Giles replaces Stuart Gordon who stepped down after nine years in the role. Gordon will remain as part-time chief executive at Waikato Innovation Park, where FoodWaikato is based.

Giles worked at Dairy Goat Co-operative for 19 years in total, holding executive and marketing roles. He held the position of chief executive for five years, until 2018.

"When this role came up, it was the right time for me to take on another chalenge," Giles says. "I see it as a great opportunity to get involved in the Innovation Park environment, continuing to build on the great work Stuart has already done and helping emerging and innovative businesses to grow."

FoodWaikato chairman Barry Harris says Giles not only has knowledge in the dairy goat industry, but also brings a wealth of experience in dairy manufacturing international marketing, leadership and governance.

Harris also paid tribute to Gordon's service.

He says Gordon was leaving the company in a strong position and FoodWaikato was fortunte to have attracted someone to replace him who also had an in-depth knowledge of dairy manufacturing.

Harris says the growth in New Zealand's sheep milk industry was a boon for FoodWaikato. The value of New Zealand's supply of dairy sheep milk is likely to triple to $44 million over the next three seasons.