Tuesday, 26 June 2018 12:35

Leon Clement to head Synlait

Written by 
Leon Clement. Leon Clement.

Fonterra executive Leon Clement has been appointed the new chief executive of independent milk processor Synlait.

He replaces Synlait Milk co-founder John Penno, who will retain a governance role in the company.

Clement was Fonterra’s Managing Director of Fonterra Brands New Zealand and prior to that was their Managing Director of Sri Lanka and Indian Subcontinent. 

Having held numerous senior leadership positions throughout his career, Clement is excited by the opportunities Synlait has created and is looking forward to taking on the role of CEO.

“I’m passionate about New Zealand agriculture, and growing people and businesses in a sustainable way,” says Clement.

“That’s why I’m so excited to be joining the Synlait team at such a pivotal time. The progress to date is impressive and under John’s leadership Synlait has achieved some significant milestones, which have set the business up well for the next phase of growth.”

“The business is in fantastic shape and we will continue to target sustainable growth by leveraging the potential within our organisation, as well as the potential in the markets and customers we partner with,” adds Clement. 

Synlait chairman Grame Milne says Clement has led major businesses internationally, specifically in Vietnam and Sri Lanka, and has deep experience in the branded dairy sector.

“He brings a broad range of skills and experience that is relevant to Synlait’s future strategic initiatives.”

More like this

Featured

Bremworth CEO departs

Three weeks on from Bremworth’s board overhaul, the carpet maker’s chief executive Greg Smith is stepping down.

Wool-shedding sheep key to remote farm operation

For Marlborough Sounds farmer Noel Moleta, farming hair sheep that need no shearing is one of the keys to running a low-input, low-intervention operation in a difficult and highly remote location.

Editorial: Getting the RMA overhaul right

OPINION: Making it easier to get things done while protecting the environment - that's the Government's promise when it comes to the overhaul of the problematic Resource Management Act (RMA).

DairyNZ board sets new levy rate

DairyNZ has set a new levy rate of 4.5c/kgMS from 1 June 2025 and aims to keep the levy at no more than this rate for a minimum of three years.

Positive first year for ZAG fund

As it enters its second year, Zespri says the first year of the Zespri Innovation Fund (ZAG), has been “really positive”.

National

Machinery & Products

Amazone extends hoe range

With many European manufacturers releasing mechanical weeding systems to counter the backlash around the use and possible banning of agrochemicals,…

Gong for NH dealers

New Holland dealers from around Australia and New Zealand came together last month for the Dealer of the Year Awards,…

A true Kiwi ingenuity

The King Cobra raingun continues to have a huge following in the New Zealand market and is also exported to…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Dairy power

OPINION: The good times felt across the dairy sector weren't lost at last week's Beef + Lamb NZ annual meeting.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter