BEGA Cheese has named Paul van Heerwaarden as its new CEO to replace Aidan Coleman who retires in February.
van Heerwaarden, who was appointed chief operating officer in June this year, has also worked for four years as general manager of sales and marketing.
His previous positions include Tatura Milk Industries CFO for three years and he has also held senior positions with Cargill and Ridley AgriProducts.
"Paul has been the driving force behind Bega Cheese’s recent growth in dairy foods and nutritionals and proved to be the outstanding candidate for the role of CEO,” the company's executive chairman Barry Irvin said.
van Heerwaarden said the company's core business was strong, underpinned by long term contracts which provide a solid foundation to expand its customer base and markets.
“An early key focus will be on getting more out of our existing plants and infrastructure. Another will be building our food service and consumer products sales and marketing capability to complement our significant manufacturing expertise.
“Despite the recent regulatory changes in China, the infant formula market continues to grow and Bega Cheese is well placed to take advantage of the increasing demand for safe, clean Australian products,” van Heerwaarden said.
