Richard Young announced that he was standing down at the recent annual meeting to facilitate transition to the next generation of SFF Co-operative leaders.
To bridge this transition period, the board has requested that Hewett take back the role that he relinquished two years ago, together with continuing in his role as co-chair of Silver Fern Farms Limited.
“Firstly, I want to thank Richard for his significant contribution as co-op chair for the past two years,” Hewett said.
“Over that time, he has led the development and establishment of a clear vision and purpose for the co-operative, which ensures we continually work cohesively with our investment in Silver Fern Farms Limited, but also ensuring the voice of our farmer shareholders is heard.
“I also know he will continue to make a significant contribution for the balance of his current term.”
Hewett says the next three years will see significant managed transformation in the board composition as several of farmer elected directors come to the end of their maximum terms – himself included.
“I have real confidence that our governance future is strong when we see committed people like this put themselves through the election process for the opportunity to serve their fellow shareholders,” he said.
“I am very pleased for Gabrielle Thompson, our board-appointed farmer director on the co-operative that she was successfully elected to the board. This will free up a board-appointed director role, which the co-operative board will be looking to fill later this year.
“Together with my fellow board members, we will continue to actively identify and develop the talent within our shareholder group.”
