Growing agribusiness TasFoods Limited will have change at the top, with chief executive and managing director Jane Bennett resigning.
The former Ashgrove cheesemaker was with TasFoods from its start in 2015 and held the dual roles since 2016.
"During that time, TasFoods has built a portfolio of strong brands with great Tasmanian heritage," the company told the ASX.
"Recently, Jane has navigated the business through 18 months of COVID-influenced market and social disruption and established a stable platform from which to move forward."
Ms Bennett said Tasmanians knew and loved the brands TasFoods had acquired.
"I am particularly proud of the significant organic growth we have achieved for each of these brands and the work our team has done to integrate each brand into the business," she said.
"The most recent acquisition of Betta Milk was rapidly integrated into the business to begin delivering synergies and growth that have turned the dairy division into a key pillar of profitability for the business.
"With strong foundations now in place, I feel now is the right time for both myself and the business to make a change that will enable new leadership to accelerate the next stage of the group's growth strategy."
Ms Bennett's resignation will take effect on October 1.
She will be replaced as chief executive by Scott Hadley, who has held senior positions at Asahi Premium Beverages, TT-Line, Fosters Group, GlaxoSmithKline and Cadbury Schweppes.
Chairman Craig Treasure said: "The board and I are very positive about the future for TasFoods to accelerate growth, extending our reach well beyond Tasmania, building a targeted premium brand portfolio and go to market capability right across Australia."
TasFoods reported a $1.424 million net loss after tax for the first half of 2021, a big improvement from a loss of $7.212 million in the corresponding half-year in 2020.
Sales revenue increased by 5 per cent to $33.934 million.
Sean Ford
The Advocate Newspaper, Tasmania. Business, economics, politics, crime.
The Advocate Newspaper, Tasmania. Business, economics, politics, crime.
