Peter Reidie appointed new CEO for Sanford

Peter Reidie has been appointed chief executive of Sanford. Photo / Dean Purcell

Sanford has appointed Peter Reidie as its new chief executive officer, three months after the company's previous boss departed.

Reidie will come from a role as chief executive of Farmlands Cooperative Society and was previously managing director for Australia and New Zealand at Goodman Fielder.

Sanford chair Sir Rob McLeod said Reidie's personal qualities and values shone out during the recruitment process, which assessed both internal and external candidates.

"He is pragmatic and empathetic, has a strong focus on health and safety, and has the ability to get alongside growers and other stakeholders who ultimately give companies their social license to operate. All those qualities will be highly valued in his new role at Sanford," McLeod said.

Of his appointment, Reidie said: "Sanford is a great business. Its people are highly engaged and motivated and I can't wait to join them in 2021.

"I have fresh perspectives to bring to Sanford and I am clear on my mission. I welcome the challenge of navigating the business and its people through the current volatile conditions, while working towards a long-term vision to grow sustainable shareholder returns."

An exact start date for Reidie will be announced in the New Year.

Andre Gargiulo, who has been acting chief executive since September, would continue in the role until Reidie starts.

Former chief executive Volker Kuntzsch announced he would step down from the top job in September after seven years leading the company.

Sanford's share rose 3c to $4.95 on the appointment announcement but are down 37.88 per cent over the last year.