Paul van Heerwaarden has announced he will step down as CEO of Bega Cheese with current Chief Operating Officer Pete Findlay set to transition into the role.
For 13 years van Heerwaarden has worked for the company with almost six of those years as CEO. His achievements are many, including the key role he has played in the acquisition of the Mondelēz Grocery Business in Australia (bringing home Vegemite). He was key in the re-shaping of Bega’s dairy nutritionals business through the execution of the various Reckitt’s transactions, the acquisition of Koroit, the acquisition of Lion Dairy and Drinks and has shown leadership of the diversity and inclusion programs of the combined group.
Executive Chairman Barry Irvin said that van Heerwaarden has been a wonderful CEO for Bega Cheese, leading the organisation through a period of great change and development.
“Paul remains committed to the company and as always is keen to ensure the best outcomes for the business and that the transition to a new CEO is well planned and continues the stable leadership which has always been a key element in the success of the company,” he says.
“One of the features of Paul’s leadership has been his willingness to give opportunity to others and his capacity to develop people. Paul is always keen to recognise the capacity and capabilities of individuals and his team. Earlier this year we announced that Pete Findlay had been appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Company and the Board is now pleased to announce that Pete will transition to CEO with Paul’s support in the coming months.”
Findlay joined the company in 2019 as CFO and has more than 25 years’ experience in professional services and senior finance and operational roles in private and publicly owned businesses. He has held several senior CFO roles in a variety of industries including manufacturing, retail, information technology and distribution.
As the transition is implemented Findlay’s key focus will be continuing to execute the strategy and realise the opportunities available to the company as an integrated dairy and food business.
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