Synlait Milk has announced the resignation of CEO Grant Watson, who has been in the role since January 2022.
George Adams, Chair of Synlait, said that recent months have seen a long list of challenges for Synlait, of which Watson “ably led the team through”.
“His achievements are extensive and notably include our balance sheet’s recent, successful reset.
“Grant’s tenure has been incredibly busy – notably resetting Synlait’s strategy to reduce our customer and market concentration risk, commercialising plant-based production at Pokeno and our Foodservice business in Canterbury, extending our reach into Southeast Asia, maintaining our China market access, and building an outstanding executive team.”
Watson expressed his admiration for Synlait, stating that it is an amazing and agile company that he has been deeply honoured to lead.
“Working with our passionate employees and farmers who care deeply about Synlait’s success has been a privilege. Our team’s determination and dedication to deliver has also been a real highlight. I wish Synlait all the best for a successful future.”
Tim Carter, CEO of Dairyworks, has been appointed acting CEO of Synlait, while the company undertakes a global recruitment process.
Dairyworks, under Carter’s stewardship, has performed impressively over the past six years, recently delivering a record EBITDA result due to strong sales growth, operational stability, and low staff turnover.
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