Synlait CEO Richard Wyeth resigns after one year in the role

Synlait Milk chief executive Richard Wyeth has resigned after less than a year in the job.

Wyeth, who came to Synlait from Westland Milk, was appointed in March 2025 and started on May 19.

The company said it had accepted Wyeth’s resignation but gave no reason for his departure.

“Since his appointment, Richard has made a strong contribution to the business, leading Synlait through a particularly challenging period with a clear focus on addressing key operational, quality and financial issues, rebuilding customer relationships, and positioning the company for its next phase.

“The board thanks Richard for his leadership, commitment and contribution to the business and wishes him well for the future.”

Richard Wyeth has been Synlait Milk chief executive since May 2025. Photo / Synlait

Wyeth would remain with the company until June 30 to support an orderly transition and handover, the company said.

Leon Fung, a Synlait director, has been appointed acting chief executive, effective from today.

His career spans nearly 30 years across production, operations, capex investments and market development.

He has held senior executive leadership roles, including chief executive of NIG Nutritionals and operations director for Danone Oceania, both based in Auckland.

He joined Synlait as a director in June 2024 and served as chairman of its people, environment and governance committee from November 2025.

The company, which has been through a major recapitalisation, is primarily owned by China’s Bright Dairy (65.25%) and its biggest customer, infant formula company a2 Milk (19.8%).

Early this week, Synlait said independent director Paul McGilvary had given notice of his resignation from the board after serving since 2022.

Under NZX listing rules, the company is required to have two independent directors. The board has started a search for a replacement.

Synlait also said this week that it had received two waivers in relation to its syndicated bank facilities.

Early this month, it said it was working with a2 Milk to assist its voluntary recall of three batches of a2 Platinum USA-labelled infant milk formula because of the presence of cereulide.

The recall was initiated after cereulide was detected through additional testing that was undertaken after new directives from New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries.

The recall was not expected to impact Synlait’s financial results, it said.

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