Westland Dairy Company appoints Richard Wyeth as its new CEO

Yili-owned Westland Dairy Company has appointed Richard Wyeth, the former CEO of New Zealand-based dairy processor Miraka Milk, as its new CEO.

Wyeth was appointed as CEO of Miraka Milk in 2010, and has over 13 years of experience in the dairy industry, including holding a role as global sales manager for dairy product manufacturer Open Country Dairy.

Wyeth has also held commercial roles at Coca-Cola Amatil and DB Breweries in his career.

He replaces Toni Brendish, who stepped down from her position in August. New Zealand-based Westland Dairy was acquired last year by Hongkong Jingang Trade Holding, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yili, for NZD 588 million ($403 million), and Brendish oversaw Westland Dairy’s operations during the transition to Yili’s ownership.

Following Brendish’s departure, Shiqing Jian was appointed as Westland Dairy’s interim CEO, and Jian told the New Zealand Herald that Wyeth would assume his position as the company’s new CEO in February next year.

Jian will step down as interim CEO, but will continue to act as resident director of both Westland Dairy Company and Canterbury-based Oceania Limited for the Yili Group.

Commenting on the appointment, Jian told the New Zealand Herald: “Yili is a company that is on a strong growth trajectory.

“We firmly believe demand for Westland products will continue to grow, not just in China, but around the world and we are looking forward to Richard playing an important role in our global growth.”