Jim Leighton stepped down as the chief executive officer of Australia-based poultry company Ingham’s, effective March 29, while Andrew Reeves was selected to be his replacement.
Jim Leighton’s tenure
Leighton, a native of the United States, was hired to lead Ingham’s in late 2018, having previously worked in leadership positions for Aryzta, 40North Foods, Boulder Brands and Perdue Farms.
“Jim leaves as a good leaver and with our very best wishes,” Ingham’s Chairman Peter Bush said in a press release. “He is returning to the United States for personal reasons. Jim jointed us in 2018 and, as our recently released 1H results demonstrate, he and his team have significantly improved the operations of our company. The board and I thank Jim and his family for managing the many challenges they have faced since Jim’s arrival over two years ago. Jim and his team have built a solid foundation for growth. We wish Him and his family all the best.”
Leighton will remain with the company until the end of the financial year through the end of the financial year to facilitate an orderly transition.
Leighton was preceded as the CEO of Ingham’s by interim CEO Quinton Hildebrand, who temporarily filled the role after CEO Mick McMahon resigned.
Andrew Reeves’ appointment
Reeves, who was earlier a non-executive director for Ingham’s, takes over as CEO and managing director.
He brings more than 40 years’ experience in leadership and governance roles in prominent Australian and internationally listed agrifood companies. Among those companies are George Weston Foods, Lion Nathan Limited, Coca-Cola Amatil and The Smith’s Snack Food Company.
“Andrew is an experienced consumer goods executive in the food and beverage sector who has served as CEO and Managing Director of the Australian and New Zealand subsidiaries of large listed Australian and multinational companies. Andrew's most recent executive role was as CEO of George Weston Foods in Australia and New Zealand (a subsidiary of Associated British Goods PLC), a role he held between 2011 and 2016,” said Bush.
