MEDIA RELEASE

13 November 2013

Dairy Women’s Network appoints new CEO

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The Dairy Women’s Network Trust Board has announced the appointment of Zelda de Villiers as chief executive officer (CEO).

With more than 20 years’ experience in the international agricultural industry, Zelda is currently the managing director of DeLaval NZ Ltd. She has also worked for DeLaval International in Sweden and New Zealand where she has been based since 2009.

Prior to joining DeLaval, Zelda spent the first 10 years’ of her career in the agricultural finance and rural banking sector in South Africa. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics with Honours and a Diploma in Animal Nursing both from Pretoria University.

Dairy Women’s Network chair Michelle Wilson said Zelda has a broad agricultural background and demonstrates a passion for the rural sector and the New Zealand dairy industry.

“Zelda has an exceptional understanding of the challenges New Zealand’s dairy farming women face.

“She has extensive strategic leadership, corporate development, marketing and sales and networking experience. She has led a number of teams and events, and her expertise is a valuable addition not only to the success of the Dairy Women’s Network but also to leadership in the New Zealand agricultural sector.

“The Board welcomes Zelda and is looking forward to working alongside her as we continue to expand the potential of dairying women through opportunities for learning, transferring and growing skills and developing leadership in the business of dairying.”

Zelda starts in the Hamilton-based role in January 2014.

ENDS

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