Natural Pet Food Group (NPFG) has announced that Brett Henshaw will be succeeding Neil Hinton as the group’s CEO.
Henshaw is currently Managing Director at Fonterra Brands New Zealand and will take over as CEO at NPFG on 1 March 2024.
“The opportunity to lead an innovative global team producing truly world-class natural products for our pets is extraordinary. NPFG is a notable contributor to the New Zealand economy, and I am looking forward to working closely with the dedicated people at NPFG and further developing the significant relationships they have built with their suppliers and other stakeholders,” said Henshaw.
Hinton will be finishing up at NPFG on 31 December 2023, after nine years at the company in which he developed it into a successful large exporter, established a Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise (WFOE) in China, and oversaw NPFG’s transition to ownership under global private equity firm KKR.
Andy Routley, Chairman at NPFG, said Hinton has played a crucial role in the company’s transformation and success.
“He steered NPFG from a fledgling startup to the significant global enterprise it is today.
“Under his expertise and leadership, our business has achieved strong market positions and established a solid brand. Neil has laid a great foundation for continued growth and success,” said Routley.
Incoming CEO, Brett Henshaw, brings a wealth of global experience from his 35-year career in the FMCG industry. His expansive career with Colgate Palmolive spanned twenty-five years, covering various markets and international roles.
Following his return to New Zealand in 2015, Henshaw took on more recent roles with The Griffins Food Company and then at Fonterra Co-operative Group, further enhancing his deep understanding of consumer brands, market dynamics, and team building.
In the interim period between Neil’s departure and Brett’s arrival, NPFG’s Mark Leitch, Mike Wilson, and Tim Ballagh will work closely with the Board and NPFG partners to collectively lead NPFG, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership.
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