Synlait: Matthew Foster New General Manager Supply Chain

15 February 2012

Matthew Foster Appointed General Manager Supply Chain

John Roberts to retire after a distinguished 42 year career in the dairy industry

Synlait Milk today announced the appointment of Matthew Foster as General Manager Supply Chain reporting to Chief Executive Officer John Penno.

Mr Foster has spent much of his working life with New Zealand agricultural businesses both in New Zealand and overseas. Mr Foster spent one year as Commercial Manager with international shipping line Tasman Orient/Swire, before joining transport and logistics business NZL Group as CEO and Commercial Manager in 2009.

Prior to this Mr Foster spent 18 years with the New Zealand Dairy Board (and Fonterra) in various finance and management roles. This included positions at Canpac in New Zealand as well as the Ingredients Division in Europe, Australia, Japan and USA, before returning to New Zealand in 2003 to set up the Fonterra Customer Service Centre in Auckland.

Mr Foster’s appointment follows the planned retirement of John Roberts on 30 March 2012, who has been General Manager Supply Chain, Quality and Environment since 2007.

During a distinguished 42 year career in the dairy industry, Mr Roberts has spent more than 10 years in chief executive roles with several co-operative dairy companies. They include Westland Milk Products, and Alpine Dairy Products which merged to form South Island Dairy Co-operative. Mr Roberts was General Manager at Bonlac Foods based in Melbourne, and has also spent several years working as a consultant, including time with Fonterra Brands in Auckland.

Commenting on Mr Fosters’ appointment, Mr Penno said “We are very pleased to have Matthew succeed John. He’s had a career in dairy with international experience and a strong track record in supply chain and logistics. Matthew is ideally qualified to build on the strong foundation established by John over the past five years.”

“I also want to acknowledge John’s contribution to Synlait Milk since its inception in 2008, and to the New Zealand dairy industry. John has made a huge impact throughout his career but none more so than with us. I owe John a great deal of gratitude for his professionalism, dedication and experience in the way he has helped develop Synlait Milk into the global business it is today.”

“We wish both John and wife Eunice well in their retirement,” Mr Penno said.

For more information please visit www.synlait.com

ENDS

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