Inghams appoints Edward Alexander as new CEO, replacing Andrew Reeves

Inghams chief executive Andrew Reeves will hand over the top job to the company’s New Zealand boss next year.

Mr Reeves, who stepped into the role in early 2021, will retire in mid-2025 after a 40-year executive and board career.

The chicken giant on Monday revealed after a comprehensive global search that included internal candidates, the board had endorsed current chief executive of its NZ business Edward Alexander to replace Mr Reeves.

Mr Reeves said after careful consideration, the time had come for him to hand over the reins to the next generation of leaders to take Inghams forward.

“It has been an honour to be part of the success of Inghams. During my time leading the company, we successfully navigated a global pandemic, stabilised and returned the business to strong profitability, and set in place a clear strategy and investment plans to support future business growth,” he said.

Inghams chair Helen Nash said Mr Reeves would leave the company in a “sound operating and financial position, with solid underlying fundamentals and positioned for future growth”.

Ms Nash said Mr Alexander was an established operational leader with extensive experience in the company across sales, corporate development, strategy, integrated business planning and commercial optimisation.

Mr Alexander joined Inghams in 2015 and held several key leadership roles before being promoted as CEO of the New Zealand arm in June 2022.

Mr Alexander said he was excited by the opportunities ahead for the business.

“The company’s long history has been built around a core philosophy of being deeply customer-centric, doing things ‘the right way’ and making bold moves where it makes sense to do so,” he said.

“These principles remain an important foundation for where we are today, and I look forward to leading the business into a new era of sustainable growth.

“On a personal note, I am very grateful for the mentorship that Andrew has provided me over the last 3.5 years, as well giving me the opportunity to step into the role of chief executive of NZ.”

Mr Alexander will be paid $950,000 annually as CEO.