Synlait Milk appoints Richard Wyeth as its new CEO

Richard Wyeth, former Westland Milk Products and Miraka CEO in New Zealand, has been named as the CEO of New Zealand dairy Synlait. Its chair, George Adams, says, "Richard is a seasoned, tested, and highly regarded CEO in New Zealand’s dairy industry. Synlait is extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to benefit from Richard’s extensive experience growing companies in our sector. He has positively transformed dairy companies, and we are excited he is joining Synlait."

He was previously CEO of both Westland Milk Products and Taupo-based dairy company Miraka. He also helped establish Open Country Dairy and held management positions with Coca-Cola Amatil and DB Breweries prior to this.

Wyeth notes, "Synlait’s fundamentals are strong. The fact it’s now on track to return to profitability, after overcoming a list of challenges, reflects exceptional capability within the team. I’m looking forward to getting to know Synlait’s farmers and staff to build on, and support, the turnaround story, which is already underway."

He will join Synlait in May. Tim Carter will remain acting CEO until Wyeth begins, and then return to his role as CEO of Dairyworks, a subsidiary of Synlait.