Outgoing chief exec brought business back to profitability

Alliance Group chief executive Willie Wiese is stepping down from the role.

Alliance Group chairman Tom Moran said last week that Mr Wiese had decided to leave the company after eight years, including almost three years as chief executive, to attend to some pressing family matters and focus on new opportunities.

"Willie’s decision to step down follows an intensive two-year reset of the entire business, a pleasing return to profitability and the completion of a successful capital raise with Dawn Meats.

"I would like to thank Willie for his leadership and commitment in leading the significant turnaround of the company alongside the Alliance team and the support of the farmer-shareholders. I wish him every success in his future endeavours."

Mr Wiese said he has delivered all his goals for the company and now was the right time to leave the company.

"After much reflection over the holiday period, and in discussion with the Board, I have decided it is the right time for new leadership to lead the next phase of growth.

"I’m proud of the hard work and support of the Alliance team and our farmer shareholders that has brought the company to this point, with the business now well-positioned for the future.

"I am delighted to have Dawn as a partner in the Alliance joint venture and have full confidence that this will be a successful partnership for Dawn and farmer-shareholders."

Dawn Meats group chief executive Niall Browne has been appointed the acting chief executive at Alliance Group.

"Willie has worked extremely hard over the last two and a-half years to help find a suitable partner for Alliance and played an integral role in the successful capital raise," Mr Browne said.

"Willie and the Alliance team have brought the business back to profitability and we thank him for his contribution. We wish him well for the future."

An integration process with Dawn Meats is under way with senior representatives from Ireland and the UK visiting New Zealand to share information, make plans for the future and secure further synergies with Alliance, he said.

Mr Browne thanked farmers for their continued support of the company.

"With the first-quarter results under our belt, we are tracking ahead of budget, with supply from both current and returning shareholders and new suppliers.

"As part of the completed transaction with Dawn Meats, Alliance farmer-shareholders will receive a $20million payment scheduled for the end of the 25-26 season and a further $20m scheduled at the end of the 26-27 season, subject to livestock flows." — Allied Media