Friday, 08 September 2023 09:40

Simon Limmer to leave SFF

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
Silver Fern Farms chief executive Simon Limmer (pictured) has announced he will step down from the role. Silver Fern Farms chief executive Simon Limmer (pictured) has announced he will step down from the role.

Silver Fern Farms chief executive Simon Limmer is stepping down from the role.

A recruitment to find a new CEO will start now and Limmer is expected to stay in the role during the recruitment process which could last until early next year.

The meat processor says Limmer will also remain involved with the company in a strategic role going forward. He has served as SFF CEO for five and a half years.

“On behalf of the board of Silver Fern Farms Ltd, I have regretfully accepted Simon’s resignation however I am also very grateful for his immense contribution to the business and our industry over the last five and a half years,” says Silver Fern Farms Ltd co-chair Rob Hewett. 

 “Since joining Silver Fern Farms, Simon has doubled-down on the company’s Plate to Pasture market-led strategy and he will leave a business which is in great health and with a clear direction,” he says. 

 “While the company’s financial performance, investment, and returns have all increased under Simon’s tenure, one of the biggest contributions he has made has been to the development of culture and leadership.”

Limmer says that while he will miss the role, after over five years as chief executive he felt it was the right time to pass on the baton. 

 “I’ve always felt that this length of time is about the right tenure for a chief executive, but I am really passionate about Silver Fern Farms and the industry. It has been a very tough decision for me to take this step and consider new horizons, however I feel that now’s the time for an injection of new energy and perspective into the business,” he says.

 “I’m conscious that global market conditions have created some immediate challenges, however these will pass and I’m confident in our strategy and ability to see these challenges through and continue creating new forms of value for our shareholders,” he says. 

More like this

Silver Thin Farms

OPINION: The Hound hears that tension was in the air at the recent Silver Fern Farms AGM, with the board reportedly dazed and confused at why their CEO would continue to hammer farmers to lower their emissions in perpetuity, without being able to state a dollar value for any of the touted premiums.

Featured

Rural leader grateful for latest honour

Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.

Massey University Wiltshire trial draws growing farmer interest

Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Yes, Minister!

OPINION: The release of the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill to replace the Resource Management Act is a red-letter day…

Two-legged pests

OPINION: Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ for ‘The Twelve Pests of Christmas’ to…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter