Co-chairman Rob Hewett said the board is understandably saddened by Hamilton’s decision.
“However, we’ve been discussing for some time the demands on him of working away from home, and appreciate and accept Dean’s desire for change.
“Dean has achieved an enormous amount in what will be three years as chief executive of Silver Fern Farms.
“Under his leadership, the company achieved a significant recapitalisation through the $260m investment by Shanghai Maling and partnership with the Silver Fern Farms Co-operative, and has developed a clear and cohesive 2020 business strategy.
“He has realigned the organisational leadership team to support that strategy, improved farmer engagement, strengthened organisational culture, rationalised our plant platform, increased investment in health and safety and sustainability, and introduced strong financial and risk management disciplines.”
Hamilton would leave the company in its strongest ever financial position, with a clear strategic direction and a very capable leadership team, Hewett said.
Hamilton said he was proud of what had been achieved at Silver Fern Farms.
“We’ve got a really passionate group of people, farmer partners and customers around the world who are committed to the success of Silver Fern Farms. Having worked our way through a challenging period, we’ve now got real momentum in the business.
“Though I will be sad to leave Silver Fern Farms, I have real confidence that we’ve got the right people and capital resources to execute and win with our long-term plate to pasture strategy.”
The search for a new chief executive had already begun.
