Mark Leslie takes over as chief executive in March 2022.
Silver Fern Farms chief operating officer Mark Leslie will join Pāmu as its new chief executive, Pāmu board chair Dr Warren Parker announced last week.
Parker said: “The board is delighted Mark is joining Pāmu ... His skillset, including hands-on experience running substantial livestock and dairy operations and background in farming, will be beneficial as we work to produce higher farm gate returns with a smaller environmental footprint ... and a focus on the wellbeing of our people, our animals and the land we farm.”
Leslie has 25 years of experience in the agricultural industry including roles in operations, logistics, technology and product development, and quality assurance. Prior to joining Silver Fern Farms he spent nearly two decades at Fonterra including as head of the operations and supply chain component of the brands business in New Zealand. He previously had responsibility for the operation of the 94 ingredients plants across Fonterra’s 27 sites along with the associated milk collection activities.
Leslie has also held several board and ministerial advisory roles and chaired the Fonterra and Silver Fern Farms joint venture company Kotahi for six years and the Pastoral Greenhouse Gas Research Consortium.
He holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons) and a Masters of Business Administration (with Distinction), both from Massey University.
Leslie grew up on a dairy farm in Reporoa on the North Island’s Central Plateau.
Leslie takes over as CEO in March 2022. Carden left Pāmu on December 17. In the interim, GM of forestry and horticulture Andrew Sliper will act as CEO into the New Year.
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