Her commercial and financial expertise had led the not-for-profit organisation into a strong position.
“We have also grown our membership significantly during her tenure.
“Most importantly, Zelda has recruited and developed a strong team of staff and volunteers who will continue to provide the high level of support our members have come to expect from us.”
In December de Villiers signalled her intention to step down in May this year.
Brown said the organisation saw her departure as a sensible time to reflect on the Network’s success and consider what was needed to take it into the future.
De Villiers was appointed chief executive in 2014 having spent more than 20 years in various roles in the agricultural industry, including managing director of DeLaval NZ and several rural banking and finance roles in South Africa.
“It has been a humbling and inspiring journey to lead an organisation that recognises and supports the contribution women make every day, not only to the businesses they work in but also to rural communities throughout New Zealand,” de Villiers said.
Highlights included cementing strategic partnerships with agribusinesses and national farming representative body DairyNZ and overseeing the growth in membership from 5000 to more than 10,000.
The Network’s 90 volunteer regional leaders had also helped increase DWN’s professionalism and relevance in the industry.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed seeing dairy farmers, volunteer groups and rural communities benefit from DWN’s various partnerships with industry.
“These partnerships have strengthened DWN’s core capabilities and I know I’m leaving behind an extremely capable team of support staff and regional leaders and volunteers.”
De Villiers has a new business venture in Northland.
Meanwhile, DWN has begun its recruitment campaign for her replacement.
“The chief executive represents our organisation and its members at the highest level,” Brown said.
“The Network has become an increasingly influential participant in the industry and we’re looking for someone who can help us take our next strategic step while ensuring we remain sustainable and continue to deliver for our members.”
With the 20th anniversary on the horizon this year DWN had taken the chance to reflect on its success and think about its future direction while staying true to its purpose of delivering unlimited opportunities to women in dairy, Brown said.
And with the spotlight on the dairy industry, those who were forward-thinking and adept at change would thrive in leadership positions in the industry.
“The past decade or so has seen a real shift in focus for the dairy industry and now more than ever farmers and industry are working together to highlight the industry’s sustainability and profitability on a local and global scale.
“We’re looking for someone who can rise to the challenge and help the Network continue to make its mark in a constantly evolving dairy environment.
“This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference with, and for women in the dairy industry.”
Brown said the Network had firmly established itself as an innovative and influential national organisation.
“We have led some significant industry projects over the years including the dairy industry’s recent strategy refresh alongside DairyNZ, Federated Farmers and the Dairy Companies Association.”
