B.Com., Dip, P.E.

A board member since 1996, Steve became Tatua Chairman in 2003. Steve is a fifth-generation farmer, whose family has been in the Piako district since 1886. The Allen family have been supplying Tatua since the end of World War 1.

Steve’s career has included time in the commercial sector with IBM New Zealand, and comprises extensive dairy industry experience with directorships on both the NZ Dairy Board and LIC (Livestock Improvement Corporation).

In addition to being a director of several private companies and a trustee of the Waikato based David Johnstone Charitable Trust, Steve has participated in a range dairy industry good activities, including the Waikato Dairy Leaders Group work on sustainable dairying and water allocation, and the Industry Working Group review of options to improve NZ dairy’s genetic gain.

David has been a Tatua shareholder since 1986 and joined the Board in 1999. David's early career was as a mechanical engineer. His innovative approach to farming, particularly in the area of pasture management has led his business to become very profitable and sustainable.

B.Sc. (Hons), PhD (Lincoln), Dip. Man.

Louise joined the Tatua Board as a farmer-elected Director in 2016 and currently Chairs Tatua’s People and Capability Committee.  She brings a strong science background coupled with hands-on farming experience, helping continue the farming legacy of her husband’s family, which began in Springdale in 1924. 

Prior to her farming career, Louise worked within a range of industries including research science (utilising her PhD in Forest Ecology from Lincoln University), environmental consultancy, and not- for-profit and commercial management.

Louise has an extensive governance career, including serving on Boards in the not-for-profit/community sector, participating in various primary industry working groups and more recently serving on the boards of AgResearch and Ospri.

B.M.S.

A board member since 2012, Mark’s links with Tatua go back to his birth, growing up in a house on the Tatua site where his father Neil was Managing Director.

Mark’s extensive dairy industry experience includes various senior executive positions within Tatua, the New Zealand Dairy Group (General Manager), Fonterra (Managing Director Asia Ingredients), Livestock Improvement (CEO) and PGG Wrightson (CEO). Mark is currently Chair of New Zealand King Salmon, and an Independent Director of Seeka Group.

B.Com., Dip. AgriBus.

Richard joined the Tatua Board in December 2018. He continues a proud family history with Tatua; the Luxton family have continuously supplied milk to Tatua since 1921. He is a sixth generation dairy farmer.

Richard’s career has included time in the manufacturing and supply chain industry, both locally and globally, prior to focusing on dairy farming. He has extensive corporate farming experience having been involved in managing two large scale farming businesses in both the North and South Island. His educational background includes a Commerce degree and Diploma in Agribusiness.

In 2013, Richard completed the Kellogg rural leadership programme. In addition to the Tatua Board, Richard is a director of a number of private companies and sits on the management committee for the Lincoln University and St Peter's School demonstration farm partnership.

B.C.S

Julie joined the board in November 2019. Julie’s family has been supplying Tatua for four generations and she became a shareholder in 2015.

Julie started her career in advertising before moving to Tatua’s Foods business unit where she was involved in the marketing and sales of Tatua’s retail products. She and her husband operate a dairy farming business through 50/50 share milking and farm ownership.

B.CA, CA.

David joined the Tatua board as an Independent Director in December 2021.  He has worked with a wide range of organisations experiencing change, including businesses with complex infrastructure, consumer products and services, and has led large scale, complex projects.

David is currently the Chief Executive Officer of NZ Post Group, a position he has held since May 2017. He has a background in financial and corporate affairs, including roles as Chief Financial Officer at NZ Post Group, GM Corporate and Finance at KiwiRail, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at the New Zealand Racing Board, and senior finance roles at Fonterra and TransAlta.

In addition to being part of the Tatua board, David is Chair of Tatua’s Audit Risk & Compliance Committee. He has held a number of governance roles, including positions at Kiwibank, the International Postal Corporation, the Climate Leaders Coalition and the Champions for Change.

 B.C.A, C.A.

Sarah joined the Tatua Board in 2024 as a farmer-elected director. As a seventh-generation dairy farmer, she is deeply passionate and hands-on in her approach to dairy farming.

In 2020, Sarah and her husband were named Waikato and New Zealand Share Farmers of the Year, recognising their dedication and excellence in the industry.

Sarah began her professional career as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG. Combining her practical farming expertise with corporate acumen, Sarah brings a unique and valuable perspective to her governance role on the Tatua Board.

B.A, BCom, CFInstD

Jackie has a background in governance, business transformation, and people and culture. She is currently the Chair of Naylor Love Enterprises, where she has been a Director since 2018. Jackie also serves on the Boards of CentrePort, the Museum of New Zealand and the Lion Foundation, where she is Deputy Chair. Additionally, she is the President of the Institute of Directors.

Previously, Jackie held directorships at AgResearch and New Zealand Cricket, and chaired organisations such as Experience Wellington, Kiwi Group Holdings, and NZ Post, where she was Deputy Chair and Acting Chair.

In her earlier career, Jackie served as the Global Human Resources Director for the New Zealand Dairy Board and NZMP Fonterra.  She later worked as a consultant and New Zealand Country Manager for Hewitt Associates and The Gallup Organisation.

Jackie has a BA in Psychology and a B.Com. in Management and Marketing from Otago University. She is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors, a graduate of the University of Virginia Executive Development Programme, and a Member of Global Women and Women in Construction.

B.M.S.

Brendhan was appointed Chief Executive Officer in December 2016 and is Tatua’s ninth CEO, or equivalent leader in its 108-year history. Brendhan leads Tatua’s Executive Leadership Team and is Chairman of Tatua’s three subsidiary boards. Prior to his appointment as CEO, he was Tatua’s GM Operations for six years. 

Brendhan brings extensive dairy industry and senior management experience to his role. Prior to joining Tatua, Brendhan held various senior leadership roles with Fonterra, including regional operations and regional business leadership roles in the Middle East and South East Asia.

Brendhan holds a Bachelor of Management Studies degree from The University of Waikato with majors in Accounting and Finance.

B.Sc, PGDip. BusAdmin

Paul joined Tatua in 1994 and has been General Manager Co-operative Affairs since 2018.

Paul’s responsibilities include shareholder on-farm performance management, corporate secretarial duties, regulatory affairs, administration of milk solid entitlements as well as being an advisor on constitutional matters. Prior to this, Paul has extensive experience as Tatua’s Supplier Services Manager. Paul’s background is in environmental management in local government.

Paul holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Waikato and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from Massey University.

B.M.S, C.A.

Michelle was appointed General Manager Finance and Administration in August 2018 and leads Tatua’s finance and ICT teams. In this role, Michelle is responsible for Tatua’s  financial and management accounting, treasury and Information Technology and systems. Michelle brings more than 20 years’ experience in Tatua’s accounting team to her role. Prior to being appointed General Manager of the Finance and Administration team, she held the position of Financial Controller.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Management Studies degree, majoring in Accounting from the University of Waikato.

B.Bus.

Nicole leads Tatua’s People and Capability team, focusing on strategic business partnering across the employee lifecycle, advisory, remuneration, workforce planning, capability, and payroll.

She brings experience from the retail, finance, and dairy industries. Before joining Tatua, Nicole held various leadership and strategic transformation roles at Fonterra, working across portfolios such as manufacturing, engineering, sustainability, nutrient management, mergers and acquisitions, and divestments.

Nicole holds a Bachelor of Business Studies, majoring in Human Resource Management from Massey University.

B.Tech, M.DairyScTec

Tim leads Tatua’s Operations team and is responsible for our manufacturing, technical services, engineering, supply chain, procurement and waste water operations in New Zealand.

Tim joined Tatua in January 2018 after an extensive career with Fonterra and New Zealand Dairy Group. Tim’s dairy experience includes working in the commodity and high value nutrition areas, engineering and milk collection. He has spent time in NZ, Asia, USA, Europe and the Middle East working with vendors and customers optimising value streams.

Tim attended Massey University and holds a Bachelor of Technology majoring in Environmental Engineering and a Masters degree in Dairy Science and Technology.

B.Sc.(Tech), AMP (INSEAD)

Tim has worked at Tatua from 2001 in roles including Business Development Manager North Asia, Business Manager of both the Specialty Nutritionals and Bionutrients divisions, and Commercial and Technology Development Manager

His dairy industry experience includes the commercialisation of new products that add value to milk producers, technology licencing and intellectual property management, establishment of international distribution networks and subsidiaries, and leading teams focused on developing business in technically complex product categories. In his current role he is responsible for progressing strategic projects with significant or long term impacts on Tatua’s future.

Tim holds a Bachelor of Science and Technology degree from the University of Waikato, and has attended Insead’s Advanced Management Program.

B.Com, BA, Dip.Acc

Eric was appointed General Manager Marketing and Sales in August 2023. He leads Tatua’s global Marketing and Sales team, which includes Tatua’s four business units and the subsidiary offices in Japan, China and the USA. Prior to this appointment, he was the Business Manager - Nutritionals having joined Tatua in April 2021.

Eric brings broad dairy market and industry experience to his role. Prior to joining Tatua, Eric held various leadership roles, including in commercial, cooperative affairs, and sales in New Zealand, Asia and North America with Fonterra.

Eric holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Otago.