Who we are
We’re 1,000 down-to-earth, authentic people working together with 220+ milk suppliers to create the very best in milk nutrition for our global customers. Our disruptive, innovative spirit combined with resolute determination to do the right thing for planet and people sets us apart.
Our People
Meet the team behind Synlait
George Adams
Chair
George Adams was appointed as a Independent Director on 21 March 2024, and was appointed Synlait Chair on 1 May 2024. George’s previous roles include Managing Director of Coca-Cola Amatil New Zealand and Finance Director of British Telecom, Northern Ireland.
George is Chair of NZX-listed Bremworth Limited, Director of NZX-listed Arborgen, and Chair of the Business Leaders Health & Safety Forum. He was previously Chair of Bell Tea & Coffee, Chair of the New Zealand Grocery Council and Occupational Health and Safety Board and a Director of Hellers Group and Tegel Foods.
Tim Carter
Acting CEO
Tim was appointed Acting CEO of Synlait in October 2024. Prior to this Tim had been CEO of Dairyworks since 2018. Synlait purchased Dairyworks in 2018 and Tim has been a member of the broader Synlait executive team since then. He has over 25 years of experience in the FMCG and dairy sectors. Before Dairyworks, Tim spent most of his time at Fonterra, where he held senior roles, including Director, Sales Fonterra Brands NZ, Director, Sales Fonterra Australia, General Manager, Foodservice and Route Fonterra Brands, and General Manager, Sales Tip Top Ice Cream.
Our History
Synlait was founded to ensure that global consumers were able to access some of the best that New Zealand dairying had to offer. It’s all about partnering people who are passionate about business excellence, integrity and quality of product, with top quality milk and farming practices. That’s where the name Synlait comes from – Synergy and Milk.
The beginning
2000
Our first farm was purchased and the Synlait dream began. Robindale Farm quickly grew to a 3,000 cow dairy farm and remains Synlait’s largest supplying farm to this day.
Manufacturing starts
2008
The first milk was processed on the 8 August 2008 in our brand new manufacturing plant.
Expansion
2017
We acquired the Auckland-based New Zealand Dairy Company in May 2017 and commissioned a second state-of-the-art blending and consumer packaging facility there in November.