New CEO for Bega Cheese as van Heerwaarden steps down

Bega Cheese has executed a smooth CEO transition with CEO of six years Paul van Heerwaarden standing down to be replaced by COO Pete Findlay (pictured).

Van Heerwaarden has presided over an extraordinary period of growth of the Australian-owned manufacturer, doubling turnover as he executed takeovers of the Mondalez Grocery business, various Reckitt businesses, the Koroit dairy and Lion Dairy and Drinks.

LD&D came with brands incluiding Dare, Farmers Union, Big M, Masters, Dairy Farmers, Yoplait, Juice Brothers, Daily Juice, Pura and Masters.

In this process Bega vastly expanded its horizons from cheese, taking stewardship of iconic Vegemite and peanut butter spreads and numerous well loved beverage brands.

This gave rise to a bitter court dispute, won by Bega, against Kraft which having sold the peanut butter business to Bega, re-entered the market.

Bega chairman Barry Irvin paid tribute to van Heerwaarden, saying his achievements were many.

Irvin said: One of the features of Paul’s leadership has been his willingness to give opportunity to others and his capacity to develop people.

“Paul is always keen to recognise the capacity and capabilities of individuals and his team.”

It is from this legacy that Findlay has stepped into the CEO role.

Appointed earlier this year as COO, Findlay will now transition into the CEO role, supported by the outgoing CEO.

He has 25 years experience in senior finance and operational roles in manufacturing, retail, information technology and distribution.

“As the transition is implemented Pete’s key focus will be continuing to execute the strategy and realise the opportunities available to the company as an integrated dairy and food business.”

Further reading:
BEGA BUYS LION DAIRY AND DRINKS BUSINESS
JUSTICE FOR BEGA AS KRAFT SPREADS LICKED IN COURT

Picture: new Bega CEO Pete Findlay