Andrew Reeves will retire as the CEO and managing director of Australia-based Ingham’s Group in mid-2025.
He will be succeeded by Edward “Ed” Alexander, currently the chief executive of Ingham’s New Zealand business. Alexander was selected by the board, following a comprehensive global search that included internal candidates.
About Andrew Reeves
Reeves, who was earlier a non-executive director for Ingham’s, assumed the roles as CEO and managing director in 2021, following the departure of his predecessor, Jim Leighton, who opted to return to his native country of the United States.
“It has been an honor to be part of the success of Ingham’s. During my time leading the company, we successfully navigated a global pandemic, stabilized and returned the business to strong profitability, and set in place a clear strategy and investment plans to support future business growth. After much thought and careful consideration, the time has come for me to hand over the reins to the next generation of leaders to take Ingham’s forward.”
Prior to being chosen to lead Ingham’s, Reeves brought 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 has done an exceptional job leading the business since his appointment in early 2021, successfully stabilizing the business and optimizing its performance. His preparedness to step into the leadership role in 2021 from his position as a non-executive director of the company is a great demonstration of his commitment to the business and our team across Australia and New Zealand,” said Helen Nash, Ingham’s chair.
“After an extraordinary 40-year executive and board career, we understand his decision to retire from full-time executive life. Andrew will leave the business in a sound operating and financial position, with solid underlying fundamentals and positioned for future growth. On behalf of the Ingham’s board, our employees and shareholders, I would like to thank Andrew for his invaluable contribution and service to Ingham’s, including his two earlier years as a non-executive director.”
About Ed Alexander
Alexander joined Ingham’s Group in 2015, having held several key leadership roles before being named the chief executive of the company’s New Zealand business.
Prior to joining Ingham’s, he held various roles in risk management, corporate strategy and management for Aon Risk Solutions and Ernst & Young.
“I am honored by the appointment and excited by the opportunities that we have in front of us as a business,” said Alexander. “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. 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.”
Nash credits Alexander for successfully navigating COVID-19-related operational challenges, helping improve earnings and completing the acquisitions of Bromley Park Hatcheries and Bostock Brothers.
“Ed is an established operational leader with extensive experience in the company across sales, corporate development, strategy, integrated business planning and commercial optimization makes him uniquely qualified to lead the business and will ensure an oderly leadership transition.”
Alexander also expressed his gratitude to the retiring Reeves.
“On a personal note, I am very grateful for the mentorship that Andrew has provided me over the last 3.5 years, as well as giving me the opportunity to sept into the role of chief executive of New Zealand. I have learned a great deal from him, and I wish him every future success.”
