Paul Niven Exits Alta Genetics After Leading Global Expansion

Joining Alta Genetics full-time in April 2022, Niven brought his wealth of experience in dairy farm management and international business. His leadership played a pivotal role in strengthening the company’s presence in Asia and spearheading URUS Group’s strategic entry into East Africa—a move that positioned Alta as a major player in emerging markets.

Niven’s journey with Alta came after nearly a decade of groundbreaking work in China. He first moved to Beijing in 2015, where he served as General Manager of Pure Source, a joint venture between Fonterra and Abbott. There, he oversaw the design, construction, and operation of two large-scale dairy farms in Shandong province, which collectively produced 200 tons of milk daily.

Under Niven’s leadership, Alta Genetics not only expanded its market share but also deepened its commitment to innovation in dairy genetics, helping producers worldwide improve herd productivity and sustainability.

Reflecting on his time at Alta and in China, Niven expressed gratitude for the opportunities to lead and innovate. “These last few years have been a period of immense growth—not just for the business, but for me personally,” Niven stated.

While his next steps remain undisclosed, Niven hinted at continued involvement in the global dairy industry. “There’s always more to learn and contribute. I’m looking forward to the next challenge.”

For Alta Genetics, Niven’s departure signals a period of transition. As the company searches for his successor, industry insiders speculate that the next leader will be tasked with building on Niven’s legacy of global expansion and innovation.

Niven’s decade-long journey, from managing large-scale farms to leading international sales, has left an indelible mark on the global dairy industry—a story of resilience, adaptability, and leadership.