The a2 Milk Company says a string of leadership and organisational changes to its US, ANZ, and Mataura Valley Milk (MVM) businesses comes as it transforms its supply chain and ramps up its profitability timeline for MVM.
US chief executive Blake Waltrip has resigned after seven years with the company, with the current ANZ executive general manager Kevin Bush replacing Waltrip in the role of managing director – USA.
With Bush vacating the ANZ role and heading to the US, a2MC’s chief strategy officer Eleanor Khor will add to her role and become managing director – ANZ and Strategy.
“Eleanor will focus on expanding our business in ANZ through innovation, including realising the full potential of our new a2 Milk Lactose free product,” the company said.
A2MC managing director and CEO David Bortolussi thanked Waltrip for his contribution, saying he successfully established the a2 Milk brand in the market.
Meanwhile, chief executive – MVM Bernard May has also resigned after seven years with the company.
“Bernard was behind the vision and creation of MVM and played an integral role in bringing this world-class asset to life with our strategic partner China Animal Husbandry Group (CAHG). On behalf of a2MC and CAHG, we thank Bernard for his substantial contribution to the business and wish his well for the future,” Bortolussi said.
John Roberts has been appointed interim GM MVM to support a2MC chief supply chain officer Chopin Zhang in accelerating the transformation of the company’s supply chain.
The company said Roberts had significant infant milk formula manufacturing and development and operational experience in New Zealand and China, having worked for Yashili, Synlait Milk, Food Union, Nuchev, South Island Dairy and Westland.
Roberts and Zhang will focus on developing the company’s infant milk formula manufacturing capability and prioritising NPD at MVM.
