Simon Robertson's Leadership Period at Synlait Amid Financial Strains

Simon Robertson's leadership at Synlait Milk Ltd coincided with one of the most challenging periods in the company's recent history. Synlait, a New Zealand-based dairy nutrition company, faced significant financial stress under Robertson's tenure, leading to his unexpected resignation in October 2023.

Synlait Milk Ltd was founded in 2000 and has since been known for its focus on producing high-margin nutrition products, such as infant formula. The company developed strong international partnerships, particularly with The a2 Milk Company, which relied heavily on Synlait as a manufacturing partner. This strategy, while facilitating rapid growth, also exposed the company to concentration risk and increased debt levels.

Simon Robertson, who joined Synlait's board in 2020, was initially seen as a stabilizing influence, bringing extensive governance experience to the company. He was appointed Chair of the Board, where he was responsible for strategic oversight, strengthening corporate governance, and managing key relationships.

During his tenure, Synlait accumulated significant debt due to investments in production capacity. Rising global interest rates exacerbated the financial strain, and the company's share price fell, eroding investor confidence. Additionally, Synlait's relationship with its largest customer, The a2 Milk Company, became strained, leading to formal arbitration over disputes about exclusivity and commercial terms.

Robertson's resignation was abrupt, with no detailed explanation provided, sparking discussions in business media. Paul McGilvary was appointed as Acting Chair while the board began searching for a permanent replacement. The leadership change was seen as part of a broader governance response to the company's ongoing pressures.

Synlait continues to face the challenge of stabilizing its finances, rebuilding trust with stakeholders, and redefining its strategic direction in the competitive global dairy market.