Strong companies are grounded in a foundation of good governance.


Silver Fern Farms Limited is a 50:50 partnership between Silver Fern Farms Co-operative and Shanghai Maling.

Our governance policies are regularly reviewed to make sure they are consistent with best practice, ensuring our future as a world-leading food company.


Our Board of Directors

Our Directors are responsible for our company’s corporate governance and strategic direction. The Board is made up of 5 directors from Silver Fern Farms Co-operative and 5 directors from Shanghai Maling, two of whom are New Zealand residents.

  • Rob Hewett - Co-Chair
    Rob became the Chairman of Silver Fern Farms in December 2013. He was elected to the Board in February 2008.
  • Junlong Li - Co-Chair
    Mr Li Junlong is the Co-Chair of Silver Fern Farms Limited. He also serves as Chairman of Shanghai Maling Aquarius Co., Ltd. and President of Bright Food International Limited.
  • Anna Nelson
    Anna runs a 1450ha breeding and finishing block in Aria with husband Blair (Munta), and in-laws Jon and Kaye.
  • William Beetham
    William graduated with a Diploma in Farm Management from Lincoln University. He has had a 10-year professional career spanning agricultural consultancy, integrated land management, systems development and commercial business management, working in New Zealand, England and Australia.
  • Yanjuan Xu
    Ms Yanjuan Xu holds a Masters degree in Accounting and is the Deputy Director of Finance of Shanghai Maling Aquarius Co. Ltd.
  • Tim Gibson
    Tim Gibson joined the board April 2020 and is a current Director on the Boards of Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC), Miraka Limited, and Port Otago Limited.
  • Ru He
    Ms Ru He holds a Master in Finance and Economics and has a bachelor degree in financial management from Shandong University of Finance and Economics.
  • Cassandra Crowley
    Cassandra is a charted accountant (Fellow), barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and a member of the Institute of Directors. 
  • Sam Robinson
    Mr Sam Robinson is a hill country farmer from Central Hawke’s Bay. Sam brings strong governance experience in New Zealand agribusiness and extensive red meat industry expertise to Silver Fern Farms.
  • Simon O’Connor
    Simon joined the Silver Fern Farms Board in January 2023 and is a passionate supporter of the immense value that the agriculture sector brings to New Zealand.
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Our Executive Committee

The role of our Executive Committee is to oversee the development and delivery of strategy and business plans. Our Executive Committee is made up of a talented and dynamic group of individuals that bring a wealth of complementary experience to their roles and an intimate knowledge of their specialist areas to spur the business forward.  

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