Founder, Chair and Non-Executive Director
Ben is the founder and held the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) from listing the Company until 14th October 2022. Ben remained an Executive Director until 30 November 2022, to support the transition following the appointment of Greg Kerr as CEO on 14th October 2022.
Ben brings significant commercial experience from the wider dairy nutritional sector as co‐founder of New Zealand’s Synlait Group, which was established in 1999. Ben was instrumental in guiding the successful IPO of Synlait Milk in 2013. Ben was also responsible for the construction and management of a portfolio of large scale dairy operations on the Canterbury Plains that totalled approximately 15,000 cows. His role included establishment of and implementation of innovative irrigation schemes and adoption of world best farming practices.
Prior to co-founding Synlait Milk, Ben owned and managed a portfolio of dairy operations in the Waikato Region.
Ben is a highly connected, large‐scale dairy innovator and leader.
Ben holds an MBA and Master of Marketing from The University of Melbourne, and a Bachelor of Agriculture from Massey University. He is a graduate of the New Zealand Institute of Company Directors and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Ben was elected as Chair of the Company on 16th October 2023, and is also a member of the Audit & Risk and People & Culture Committees.