Bega Cheese advises that CEO Paul van Heerwaarden has decided that he will step down as Chief Executive Officer.
Executive Chairman Barry Irvin commented “Paul has been a wonderful CEO for Bega Cheese and has led the organisation through a period of great change and development always giving his all to deal with challenges and execute opportunities.
“Paul remains committed to the company and as always is keen to ensure the best outcomes for the business and that the transition to a new CEO is well planned and continues the stable leadership which has always been a key element in the success of the company.”
Paul has worked for the company for 13 years in a number of executive roles and will reach six years of service as CEO in January 2023. While Paul’s achievements are many it would be appropriate to highlight the key role he has played in the acquisition of the Mondelez Grocery Business in Australia (bringing home Vegemite), the re-shaping of our dairy nutritionals business through the execution of the various Reckitt’s transactions, the acquisition of Koroit, the acquisition of Lion Dairy and Drinks and his leadership of the diversity and inclusion programs of the combined group.
Barry Irvin further commented “One of the features of Paul’s leadership has been his willingness to give opportunity to others and his capacity to develop people. Paul is always keen to recognise the capacity and capabilities of individuals and his team.
“Earlier this year we announced that Pete Findlay had been appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Company and the Board is now pleased to announce that Pete will transition to CEO with Paul’s support in the coming months.”
Pete joined the company in 2019 as CFO and has over 25 years’ experience in professional services and senior finance and operational roles in private and publicly owned businesses. He has held several senior CFO roles in a variety of industries including manufacturing, retail, information technology and distribution.
As the transition is implemented Pete’s key focus will be continuing to execute the strategy and realise the opportunities available to the company as an integrated dairy and food business. The Board congratulates Pete on his upcoming appointment.
-Bega Cheese