New Zealand-based dairy company Synlait has appointed Leon Clement as the group’s new chief executive. Clement will leave his position as managing director of Brands New Zealand at Fonterra to take over from outgoing Synlait boss Dr John Penno, who announced his intention to stand down last November.

Clement’s appointment as CEO of Synlait comes amid a period of significant change at the top of New Zealand’s dairy industry. Fonterra, the farmer-owned co-op, is also on the hunt for a new boss after current CEO Theo Spierings announced his intention to stand down in March after seven years at the helm of the world’s largest dairy exporter.

Based in the Canterbury region on the South Island of New Zealand, Synlait is supplied with 65m kg of milk solids every year from about 200 dairy farmers. The company is a major producer of high-value infant formula, with output set to hit 35,000t this year. The group also provides the a2 milk company with products for its main markets in New Zealand, Australia and China.

ADVERTISEMENT