Dairy company Bega Cheese has issued a statement regarding a former company executive and CEO who this week pleaded guilty to child sex offences.
Maurice Van Ryn was granted bail this week in the Bega Local Court after pleading guilty to 12 child sex offences.
Van Ryn resigned from his position as CEO of Bega Cheese in 2005 after 14 years in the top job, although he continued to work for the company in international business development and sales and marketing roles until late 2012.
He has also served as a non-executive director for a handful of other large food companies in recent years.
A statement from Bega Cheese, published in Bega District News, said that the company was aware of the matter, but it had no suspicion or knowledge of if until earlier this year when the courts began to deal with the matter.
It also said the police investigation had not involved the company.
“Bega Cheese is a proud member of the local community. We are shocked and appalled that Mr Van Ryn has admitted to such abhorrent conduct which is totally contrary to the company’s values,” the statement said.
“We express our sympathy to all those affected by his actions. As the matter is still before the Court, the company will not be making any further comment.”
Van Ryn is expected to be sentenced in the Bega District Court in February next year.
