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.
  • 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.

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.