The Yili Group has appointed a new Chief Executive Officer to lead all five Yili Oceania Business Division companies in New Zealand.

Experienced New Zealand agribusiness executive Alex Turnbull will take up the role of CEO of Westland Milk Products, Oceania Dairy, Canary, EasiYo and Pure Nutrition, effective February 16.

He will report to the Director of the Yili Oceania Business Division of Yili in New Zealand, Zhiqiang Li.

Mr Li said that Mr Turnbull’s strong track record across New Zealand dairy and food sectors made him the ideal candidate to build further on the global gains made by Yili’s New Zealand companies in recent years.

“Yili’s investment in our high-value strategy is continuing to reap dividends with extra production capacity in the high-value protein and fats categories leading to increased global sales,’’ Mr Li said. “Across a number of categories, demand continues to outstrip supply.

“Alex brings with him more than three decades of senior leadership experience with a strong New Zealand focus across the global dairy and food sectors, spanning ingredients, consumer brands and foodservice.

“He has a mandate to strengthen performance, deepen farmer and customer partnerships, and support the long-term success of Yili’s New Zealand businesses.’’

Mr Turnbull was most recently Chief Executive of Manuka Health, where he led a significant business turnaround and delivered sustained improvements in profitability, cashflow and operational performance.

Previously, he held senior executive and board roles at Fonterra, including Managing Director for Latin America, and leadership positions across global ingredients, nutrition and consumer businesses.

Mr Turnbull said he was excited to be joining a company so well-placed to play a major role in furthering the reputation of New Zealand dairy with global consumers.

“New Zealand plays a unique and important role in Yili’s global portfolio,’’ Mr Turnbull said. “I’m excited to be joining the business and to work closely with our farmers, customers and teams to build on the strong foundations already in place and create enduring value together.”

For more information, please contact the SAS Group at [email protected],  Local +64 (03) 288 0213; Global: +61 467 792 013.