Yili Group Appoints Agribusiness Veteran Alex Turnbull to Lead New Zealand Operations

Yili Group, the global dairy giant, has announced the appointment of Alex Turnbull as Chief Executive Officer for its New Zealand business division. Effective Monday, 16 February, Turnbull will assume leadership of the group's five New Zealand operating companies: Westland Milk Products, Oceania Dairy, Canary, EasiYo, and Pure Nutrition.

Turnbull will report directly to Zhiqiang Li, Director of the Yili Oceania business division. The appointment signals a strategic move to unify leadership across Yili's diverse New Zealand portfolio, which spans ingredients, consumer brands, and foodservice.

The appointment comes as Yili continues to invest heavily in its "high-value strategy," shifting focus from commodities to specialised nutritional products.

Zhiqiang Li commented on the current market dynamics: “Yili’s investment in our high-value strategy is continuing to reap dividends with extra production capacity in the high-value protein and fats categories, leading to increased global sales. Across a number of categories, demand continues to outstrip supply."

Turnbull’s mandate includes strengthening operational performance, deepening partnerships with farmers and customers, and supporting the long-term success of the New Zealand assets within Yili's global network.

Turnbull brings over three decades of experience in the New Zealand and global agribusiness sectors.

Manuka Health: Most recently served as CEO, overseeing a business turnaround that improved profitability, cash flow, and operational performance.

Fonterra: Held senior executive and board positions, including Managing Director for Latin America, as well as leadership roles across global ingredients, nutrition, and consumer businesses.

Unified Leadership

By placing a single CEO over five distinct entities—ranging from the Westland dairy cooperative to the EasiYo yoghurt brand—Yili is positioning its New Zealand arm for streamlined decision-making and integrated growth.

"New Zealand plays a unique and important role in Yili’s global portfolio," Turnbull stated. "I’m excited to be joining the business and to work closely with our farmers, customers and teams to build on the strong foundations already in place and create enduring value together."