A senior manager heading up the Westland Milk Products factory in Hokitika, who stood to gain a $360,000 bonus if the sale to Chinese-owned Yili went through, has resigned.
Chief operating officer Craig Betty began with Westland in mid-2017.
In the lead-up to the sale of the Hokitika-based co-operative, Mr Betty was reported to be one of the key management staff in line for a bonus if Yili succeeded with the purchase.
Chief executive Toni Brendish was also criticised for a ''huge conflict of interest'' over a $680,000 bonus she stood to receive if the sale went through.
Other bonuses to be paid included $302,700 to its general sales manager and $100,000 to the chief financial officer.
Ms Brendish said Mr Betty was moving on to ''an exciting new role''.
''Although Mr Betty has only been with us a short time, he has achieved a great deal during his two years,'' Ms Brendish said.
''Mr Betty has worked particularly hard to build a very talented team of leaders who now head our manufacturing, supply chain, and quality functions.''
He would remain with Westland until mid-October to ensure a smooth transition to Yili ownership, she said.
-By Brendon McMahon
